Analysis of a Conversation between Two People - Essay Example

Masculinities Transcript The following transcript represents a segment of an audio recording on an interaction between Matt and William. Matt: Oh my god: what a friend? Oh William I never thought that you could do me this way after all we gone through. Why are you trying to sell your skin? Listen here man; if you do this just know that you are alone. Okay William: Relax soldier, I know what you want, and I know what I am doing. By the way, I will never sell my skin nor yours, remember who saved you when we were in Afghanistan and now you claim that I am trying to sell your skin. Listen here bro I follow orders. Matt: So what are you talking about? William: I mean there is nothing between that fool and me. All I know is that somebody in a high office fixed our names alongside the case. Matt: Whatever they say man; I do not give a d_**, by the way do you remember the she we met at Roger’s, she just called me!! William: So what is your plan thirsty boy? I know she will never try it again... ha...ha... Matt: Nothing- nothing to worry about; I will do her not a thing you know who I am. I am; a captain in mv-22. We trust nobody. William: That is my boy holly Matt. if only the stones of Afghan would tell. Key to Transcription Symbols Word or Word The Speaker emphasizes the underlined : Sound elongation - Word is cut off {_*_(n.n)} A word has been distorted ha...ha... Laugh …?? ridicule Analysis The transcript above is from an audio recording made on December 21, 2012 at an unknown time. The recording is between Matt and William, and it was carried out during a meeting between the two old friends. Both Matt and Williams served in the US navy, and they had both been deployed in various undercover missions in Afghanistan and Somalia. Due to their experience, they had learnt to care about each other, although they always maintained a tough attitude towards each other. Separated by ranks and united by mission, William and Matt were best friends. The interaction begins with usual gestures and conversations, but it has loose language. This is a characteristic of male homosocial relationships. From the transcript, it is clear that Matt and William’s relationship was based on friendship and mutual understanding. Moreover, the relationship is based on mutual dependency, trust, and common interests. This is because both William and Matt were military officers who had minimal feelings for others and themselves. In the article “Public Intimacy: Dynamics of Seduction in Male Homosocial Interactions”, Danny Kaplan analyzes factors that enhance male homosocial behaviors. According to Kaplan, homosocial behaviors are dependent on the environment. In this case, the two are used to military operations and hard environments. This has made them develop a form of brotherly love to enhance their survival. Although the two are concerned about each other’s welfare, they do not show any form of emotional attachment to a problem (Willott 98). In addition, they do not reveal their emotion to the public. This is a strong characteristic of male homosocial relationships. In such relationships, showing emotions, particularly in the public behavior, is considered women’s behavior (Bird 130). Due to the nature of their work, Matt and William were expected not to trust anyone. This is in accordance with their duties and code of conduct, whereby military officers are not supposed to share confidential information. Although male homosocial relationships are supposed to be emotionless, men also need emotional support. However, this happens differently, as exhibited in the transcript record above. From the conversation, it is clear that men share their emotions by confiding in one another (Kiesling 78). Alternatively, they can share their emotions by mentoring one another. In the conversation above, the two men share secrets, and it is their obligation not to share it with others. The nature of this secret is not well known considering that the two are military officers, and they are not expected to share their secrets. The two are also involved in jokes and nonsense talks. This is an expression of emotion within a men’s circle. Men share their emotions with other men using jokes, nonsense talks, and confrontation as detailed in the transcript. Although men’s relationships are established on trust and mutual understanding, they are dependent on authority. Within a men’s circle, a hierarchial system separates them. This authority maintains a sense of respect and trust that sustain men’s relationships. This authority is established on social, moral or profession abilities of an individual. Existence of authority or disparities within a men’s circle promotes a form of rivalry or competition. Although these competitions maintain male homosocial relationships, they can be a source of failure and destruction. In some cases, the rivalry can turn into violent confrontation. As depicted in the transcript, Matt and William’s relationship has limits and boundaries that are only known to them. This makes them react whenever these limits are overstepped. Gendered Ideology Male homosocial behaviors can be explained using gender ideologies. According to the ideologies, men and women are in a constant struggle for dominance. Male domination subjects women and women’s interests. As depicted in the transcript, men always like to talk about women whenever they are in a discussion. This is directly related to Bird’s discussion of hegemonic masculinity. According to Bird, discussing women forms the basis of most men’s conversation. During such conversations, men discuss women as subjects and not as equals. Ideally, this male domination tactic is meant to preserve the position of men within a given society. Although men do not reveal gender rivalry, they are aware of the gap that exists between them and women. Men tend to fill this gap by discussing women issues within the men circles. On the other hand, women have an open or a public portrayal of gender based rivalry. Gender ideology theories suggest that male homosocial behavior is a social domination tactics. Although men have physical strength, they lack emotional strength compared to their female counterparts. This makes them vulnerable to manipulation by women. Gender ideology studies suggest that men form strong bonds with one another to evade such occurrences. Despite these shortcomings, men will always maintain a strong friendship. Works Cited Bird, Sharon. “Welcome to the Men's Club: Homosociality and the Maintenance of Hegemonic Masculinity.” Gender and Society 10.2 (1996), 120-132. Sage Publications, Inc. Kaplan, Danny. The men we loved: Male friendship and nationalism in Israeli culture. New York: Berghahn Books, 2006. Kiesling, Scott. “Dude.” University of Pittsburg Willott, Sara and Christine Griffin. “Wham Bam, am I a Man?” Unemployed Men Talk about Masculinities.” Feminism psychology 7 (1997): 107-128. Read More