Compare/comparison of masculinity of movies in America in different decades - Essay Example

Representation of Masculinity in American Films in Different Decades Generally, the society views masculinity as the display of toughness and the male population is expected to display the same. In art, men are also displayed and portrayed differently as compared to how women are represented. While some parties may view it as misrepresentation, it is still accepted and viewed as appropriate. Since the earliest days of the American film industry, masculinity has been represented in similar ways with few changes, if any.

For instance, the films dating as early as 1970s have shown an extent of exaggeration of masculinity. This is because they display toughness and rarely show any emotional response. This is in contrast to the modern films especially those dating as recent as the 2000s. In these films, masculinity toughness is still being displayed although not in an exaggerated way as indicated in the earliest films. On the other hand, the equipment that men are displayed with is also different from what is seen in the recent films and even what females are depicted with.

For instance, most films, especially the earliest, depicted males holding dangerous and crude weapons such as guns and swords. The display of masculinity using these weapons has reduced in the newer films. Nevertheless, this primarily indicates that men are violent and the violent nature is innate. On the other hand, the films ranging from the 70s to 90s show men in the most challenging tasks further showcasing masculinity as a mandatory component for men. Here, men are mostly depicted in military uniforms while others carry guns that may indicate that these men are police officers.

This also indicates that males are the only ones that can handle such dangerous jobs. In contrast, art may display women in different roles such as teaching and nursing. When achievements are concerned, masculinity is displayed as the main contributing factor towards high and desirable achievements. Here, men are seen holding white color jobs in offices while others are serving in military positions (Stern 72-73). This shows that men are holding the best positions in the society. However, there are some identifiable differences in the portrayal of masculinity in different decades.

While the earliest films show men displaying their masculinity through toughness, the most recent ones are showing increased display of emotional response. This is because the films recorded during the 1990s are showing most figures smiling while such smiles were rare in earlier films. Aggression is even indicated when individuals are conversing, which is referred to as verbal aggression in the earliest films. On the recent ones, conversations are carried out in a more civilized manner. This indicates that the display of masculinity has been changing with changing times.

In spite of this slight change in display of masculinity throughout several decades, display of toughness as the main indicator of masculinity persists. This is in contrast with research, which indicates that both males and females have almost similar emotional response. However, the slight change in display of masculinity may be attributed to this emotional response. The society continues to put pressure on the male population to display their masculinity so as to survive in the harsh environment that they are subjected to.

Works CitedStern, William. “How Men Look”, Art Journal. 56.2 (1997): 3-4. Print.