Cultures of Masculinity - Annotated Bibliography Example

Man in Masculinity Key Words: Masculinity, sex, homosexual, source, man, female, contemporary, Guys and boys masculine things, Edwards, T. (2006). Cultures of Masculinity. London: Routledge. Edwards in this reference addresses the aspect of masculinity from a behavioral perspective. This entails comparing diverse males’ past behaviors to that evident in the cotemporary world, which has evolved with the passage of time. He explores the interface between the traditional approaches and present cultural perspectives. The author’s bases of theoretical discussion encompass job market, and domestic violence whereby the latter numerous studies have cited as the core characteristic associated with men. This is especially from the childhood where boys appear to be rougher than their counterpart female gender. The source will be essential due to its comprehensive and progressive content regarding modern masculinity. Murray, D. (2002). Masculinity and Self-Identity in Elite Triathlon, Body- Building and Surf Lifesaving. In D. Hemphill & C. Symons (Ed.), Gender, Sexuality & Sport: A Dangerous Mix (pp. 39). Petersham: Walla Walla Press. Murray’s argument in this chapter entails men’s masculinity examined from three choice levels in Australian sports. These include triathlon, muscle building and surf-lifesaving coupled with interviews meant to ascertain peoples’ core motives that prompt them to participate in sports. The source will be crucial in expounding the issue of masculinity among the sportsmen, and their fans’ perspectives who prefer well-built bodies as a sign of manly prowess. In addition, Murray has revealed many categories’ fancies about muscular bodies especially the female gender that comprises the spectators’ sizeable number. Hence, unveiling how people view masculinity from a social context. Palmer-Mehta, V. (2009). Men Behaving Badly: Mediocre Masculinity and The Man Show. Journal Of Popular Culture, 42(6), 1053-1072. doi:10.1111/j.1540-5931.2009.00722.x Palmer-Mehta highlights how “The Man Show” reveals US’ masculinity mediocrity among heterosexual white men. The discussion’s focus is on the men’s insubordinate behavior influenced by fears and desires, which erode U.S society’s masculinity power besides rendering them to be of questionable caliber. Hence, revealing white men’s weakness despite claiming their rightful position in the American society. The source will be helpful in backing argument regarding how masculinity mediocrity has crept in the contemporary world regardless of states’ development status. Bowleg, L., Teti, M., Massie, J. S., Patel, A., Malebranche, D. J., & Tschann, J. M. (2011). What does it take to be a man? What is a real man?: ideologies of masculinity and HIV sexual risk among Black heterosexual men. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 13(5), 545-559. doi:10.1080/13691058.2011.556201 The article highlights the aspect of masculinity using sexual prowess especially among the black men. Since, according to diverse traditional ideologies held by numerous people black men do posses immense sexual vitality than other races. This prompts other people to deem black men cannot turn down any sexual offer from the women especially among the college students; hence, they are able to have sex with many women concurrently. Therefore, black men do not have any justifiable reason to embrace homosexuality because of their sexual vitality. This article will be essential in asserting masculinity from the men’s sexual prowess, which has made many find solace in using Viagra. MensLine Australia. (2012). When you think youre alone, Im here. Retrieved on 27Th November 2012 from MensLine is an Australian website whose focus entails offering diverse services to the men besides ensuring their wellbeing. The services range from personal to political besides other manly areas, for instance sports. MensLine also acts as an information site whereby men can equip themselves with varied information, which comprises their contemporary world as well as teaching them how to use it to advance themselves. This website acts a supplement to the other sources despite its extensive information regarding men’s world. Since, its diverse issues in the website do not have adequate research support. Criado-Perez, C. (2012 August 24). Can men be feminists? [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/08/can-men-be-feminists The source entails a discussion regarding whether men should be feminists or not. Since, they are the core perpetrators of violence anti weaker sex; whereas feminism groups their roles encompass liberating and protecting the female gender from the males’ exploitative norms. Criado-Perez utilizes this post to prove that, men despite associated with numerous evils and violence acts, they also understand what women undergo and can wage meaningful campaigns anti these vices. Conversely, men ought not to run the show when they admit being feminists since not many would believe them while, in numerous cultures, they are the instigators of violence. The source will be suitable in showing the tender side of the males’ gender despite associated with merciless behaviors anti women. Voce, V. (2007, April 12Th).Sexism, Strength and Dominance: Masculinity in Disney Films. Retrieved November 28Th 2012 from The video highlights the aspect of masculinity in the Disney Movies, which is evident from the Gaston’s behavior in both physique and magnificence. Depiction of masculinity in this video is via the characters having heavy built bodies void of any physical maladies, which may weaken the characters or make them inferior when they are sick. The source will be vital in supporting how animation and other cartoon videos assert the essence of masculinity in the society despite, in some cultures; this aspect tends to be mediocrity. Guys and boys masculine things. (n.d). In FaceBook [Group page]. Retrieved November 28, 2012, from The page provides an effective forum for men and youths to discuss diverse issues affecting them currently, though casually. They encompass the aspects of sexuality and other diverse issues challenging man’s ego in the contemporary world, which is extremely hard to inquire advice from parents or spouses. However, this is not a reliable source or remedy for males’ problems, but it acts as a forum where men learn about their fellows’ perspective in tackling their issues. This is not a reliable source for the project, but its arguments are essential in backing up diverse aspects as they appear from a current man’s perspective. Colbert, S. (2010, August 2). Stephen Might Be Gay. [Television broadcast]. New York: Comedy Central. Retrieved November 28Th 2012, from < http://www.colbertnation.com/the- colbert-report-videos/343092/august-02-2010/stephen-might-be-gay> This is a defensive argument whose basis encompasses characteristics that differentiate gay people from those who are straight. The source is essential in asserting manliness characteristics in the current changing world, where homosexuality has taken the lead in some states to the extent of legalizing same sex unions. Coontz, S. (September 29, 2012). The Myth of Male Decline. The New York Times Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/30/opinion/sunday/the-myth-of-male- decline.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 Coontz in this article contends about the declining masculinity in the contemporary man, which is evident from their behaviors and diverse written materials. The latter evidence depicts female being the richer sex owing to the mechanisms that have granted them freedom to pursue their endeavors. Coontz’s reference together with Palmer-Mehta will back up declining masculinity’s prowess in the contemporary world. Structural Essay It is irrefutable that the aspect of masculinity in the contemporary world has assumed a different perspective, which is contrary to the past. Numerous cultural norms associated it with men’s prowess that comprised men’s personality in the past, where it should extend to the present. However, this is nonexistent whereby the current man’s moral decay has deprived him of the necessary competency meant to have command in society’s diverse areas. For illustration, it takes place in assuming the position of a mentor or being a role model to the upcoming generation that is clueless about how a real man ought to behave. Studies conducted so far contend the rapid decrease of masculinity emanates from the society’s mechanisms that have granted women freedom to pursue their endeavors (Edwards, 2006). Consequently, this poses a challenge to the current men besides some women due to their achievements in the same fields with them, turning out to be unrivaled competitors. Conversely, currently men have lost their grip not in all areas, though researches postulate some of their essential roles will be impossible to accomplish with time. For illustration, conjugal responsibilities, where presently numerous men have turned to using vitality enhancing drugs. This is evident from the ongoing college social debates, where some races deem that black men, owing to their sexual vitality, do not have any justifiable reason to embrace gay life (Bowleg 2011). This is because they are capable of having sex with many women concurrently contrary to their white men counterparts who have depicted “Mediocre Masculinity”, especially in the US (Palmer-Mehta, 2009). Besides the current trend of decreasing masculinity, numerous activities persistently continue to assert its presence, for example, Disney’s animations and Australian sports (Voce, 2007). Australian sporting activities unveil both the female and society’s perspective regarding masculinity, especially from the external evaluation, where men should have a well-built physique. This is contrary to their female counterparts who comprise their sizable spectators during these events (Murray, 2002). Additionally, the establishments of social sites, websites and blogs regarding men’s issues presently assert the aspect of masculinity. This is regardless of numerous challenges that threaten its existence, especially among the generation Y. These sites act as consultants for young people who are unable to inquire some information from their parents (MensLine, 2012). Hence, they are able to attain the necessary information in a casual manner once they join or frequent the masculine sites, to read varied men’s articles (“Guys and boys masculine things”). Masculinity is still evident in the contemporary society despite numerous and varied circumstances that threaten its existence (Colbert, 2010). This is evident from diverse activities and online sites that offer male forums to discuss their gender issues. Mainly, this entails how they can advance themselves and uphold their masculinity in the current competitive world. The current society has liberated the female gender besides availing it with the necessary mechanisms meant to pursue its life’s endeavors. Hence, posing a stiff competition to their male counterparts where some (men) have yielded to evading responsibilities to the extent of society terming the present manliness as “Mediocre Masculinity” (Coontz, 2012). This is because the current man’s mannerisms do not compare with the past where men used to embrace their responsibilities willingly. References Bowleg, L., Teti, M., Massie, J. S., Patel, A., Malebranche, D. J., & Tschann, J. M. (2011). What does it take to be a man? What is a real man?: ideologies of masculinity and HIV sexual risk among Black heterosexual men. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 13(5), 545-559. doi:10.1080/13691058.2011.556201 Colbert, S. (2010, August 2). Stephen Might Be Gay. [Television broadcast]. New York: Comedy Central. Retrieved November 28Th 2012, from < http://www.colbertnation.com/the- colbert-report-videos/343092/august-02-2010/stephen-might-be-gay> Coontz, S. (September 29, 2012). The Myth of Male Decline. The New York Times Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/30/opinion/sunday/the-myth-of-male- decline.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 Criado-Perez, C. (2012 August 24). Can men be feminists? [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/08/can-men-be-feminists Edwards, T. (2006). Cultures of Masculinity. London: Routledge. Guys and boys masculine things. (n.d). In FaceBook [Group page]. Retrieved November 28, 2012, from MensLine Australia. (2012). When you think youre alone, Im here. Retrieved on 27Th November 2012 from Murray, D. (2002). Masculinity and Self-Identity in Elite Triathlon, Body- Building and Surf Lifesaving. In D. Hemphill & C. Symons (Ed.), Gender, Sexuality & Sport: A Dangerous Mix (pp. 39). Petersham: Walla Walla Press. Palmer-Mehta, V. (2009). Men Behaving Badly: Mediocre Masculinity and The Man Show. Journal Of Popular Culture, 42(6), 1053-1072. doi:10.1111/j.1540-5931.2009.00722.x Voce, V. (2007, April 12Th).Sexism, Strength and Dominance: Masculinity in Disney Films. Retrieved November 28Th 2012 from Read More