Blog Post #9- Tough Guise

When males were asked to describe what it was to be a man they all reacted with the same response. Tough, independent, in control, physically powerful, etc. When males do not conform to these strict male representations they are often called queer, fag, bitch. There seems to be a growing connection with violence and what is considered masculine. "85% of murders are by men; 95% domestic violence is by men; 99% of rapes in prison are by men." It seems that media also plays a huge role by making all male characters adhere to a specific physical image. Big biceps, smooth talkers, and in control of the situation. Women also appear to look a certain way in society as well. They are often thin and seemingly sexualized. In order to put an end to this we as women must adopt an attitude to make it accepted to men that do not uphold the "tough guise" image. 


I believe class and race play a huge role in male and female representation. If you live in a ghetto for example you must appear tough and fearless, this is not only for image but also for survival. If a white 18 year old boy was to move into an all black neighborhood in an inner city, he would undoubtedly have to prove himself to the people around him usually involving acts of violence to make a name for yourself. Females also battle the very same problem. If a white girl comes into a mostly black school, she will also usually have to prove herself. In my culture, Asian men often times have to appear tough in order to gain respect and acceptance from certain races. Asian men are often viewed as being weaker because of their size and many times feel they must disprove this by acting a certain way. They want to also fit the masculine model that we have created. 


I've recently been watching Glee and I think it is a great representation (and healthy) of a high school. They have a larger African American girl, a boy in a wheelchair, two asians, a homosexual boy and several ditzy cheerleaders. They are not just showing good looking, skinny  females with the same body shape, or only muscular men. They have many different varieties of "average" people, which I find to be a positive step in the right direction.