The Socially Constructed Practice of Masculinity in...

Masculinity is a socially constructed practice that guarantees the domination of men and the subordination of women. This practice has been looked at as a superior â€Å"force of nature† in literature for years and years, and Frederic Henry from A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway, McMurphy from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey, and Joe from Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston, all use their masculine identity as a way to gain and maintain power, both subconsciously and consciously. Masculinity and the supposed traits that come along with it, such as the right to power and the right to use violence, are used as means to find fulfillment and success. Henry considers masculinity to be the ultimate stressor of personal autonomy; he consciously commits himself to masculine acts (suppression of emotion, fighting in war) in order to be considered a dominant figure. McMurphy views the feminine as destructive to men and fights back in an attempt to defeat the â€Å"Combine,† or cold war society, that suppresses masculine identity and heteronormative sexual performance. Joe uses the practice of masculinity to justify acts of violence against women: as the supreme being, he can control the weaker gender for his benefit. Henry is fighting in World War 2 for the Italians throughout most of A Farewell to Arms not because he wants to fight for democracy or gain honor and valiance, but simply because it is his masculine duty. Hemingway wrote Frederic with his ideaShow MoreRelatedVerbal Mediums And Music And Song Provide A Holistic Reflection Of The Culture Of A Given Community963 Words   |  4 PagesIn language and literature, verbal mediums such as music and song provide a holistic reflection of the culture of a given community. Songs are products and practices that are able to shed light on the philosophical, political, socio-cultural norms, and perspectives of a particular society.1 Thus, these products shape the wor ldview of a cultural group. Within patriarchal subcultures, such as fraternities, song lyrics reflect socially constructed dominant masculinities that members are encouragedRead MoreImpact Of Technology On Women s Equality And Empowerment993 Words   |  4 Pagesinvisibility in all aspects of technology. Some individuals view technology as neutral (Faulkner 2001: 90) but those who reject that notion view technology as a socially defined concept. Feminist technology studies understand technology to be socially constructed due to the concept of gender socialization; technology is socially constructed in conjunction with gender. Gender socialization refers to the range of social process in which men and women learn their gender roles. It often takes place inRead MoreHegemonic Masculinity2123 Words   |  9 PagesHegemonic Masculinity: Rethinking the Concept Origins: it formulated 2 decades ago, it was first proposed in reports from a field study in social inequality in Australian schools. â€Å"Towards a new sociology of Masculinity† critiques male sex role literatures and proposed a model of multiple masculinities and power relations. The gramscian term hegemony was current at the time in attempts to understand the stabilization of class relations. Before the women’s liberation movement, a literature in socialRead MoreMasculinity Is Biologically Constructed And Features Of Traits1264 Words   |  6 Pagestough, sagging your pants, big muscles, baritone voices, and being homophobia do not characterized what masculinity is. Masculinity is biologically constructed and consists of traits such as aggressiveness, non-emotional, competitiveness, and tough skinned, strong, and hard. However, over the decades of our time, men that are queers (homosexual man) have now been identified as â€Å"queering masculinity†. Men su ch as; Ellyn Harris, best selling open gay author, Alvin Ailey, CEO and founder of the, AmericanRead MoreThe Conflict Between Genders And The Implications927 Words   |  4 Pageshas on society. Most literature shows and shares stereotypical views on women’s inability to hold political positions in world politics while others have proven such views to be inacurrate. Therefore, it is the idea that people should be given a fair opportunity to improve their daily lives regardless of their gender, sexuality and identity. Until gender inequalities are eliminated, male privileged, discrimination, insecurity and violence will prevail with the ongoing practices of institutionalizedRead MoreSocial And Cultural Geography Research2159 Words   |  9 Pagesconsider what these articles tell us about: a) the socially constructed, spatially contingent and performative aspects of social identities and b) the practice of doing social and cultural geography research. Social and cultural geography is an area of study that has become increasingly popular within Geography. With the expansion of multi-cultural societies and the increased diversification of cultures in addition to cultural practice, globally research into social and cultural geographiesRead MoreHow Food Can Create A Cultural, Social And Economic Identity Essay1568 Words   |  7 Pagespositively demonstrate cultural issues that are present in our society today. The gendering of food can be found in all forms of media such as through television, movies, posters, books etc. Through this notion, the perception of food becomes socially constructed in many ways that can lead to representations of how we should live our life. This essay will attempt to prove how food can create a cultural, social and economic identity and explore the gendered relationships to food from a variety of feministRead MoreWomen And Women s Advertising962 Words   |  4 Pagesportray these images shapes our indiv idual perceptions. Literature Review When companies advertise their products, the main goal is to capture the targeted audience’s attention in hopes of increasing sales. In order to achieve this goal, advertisers tend to go to extreme measures to produce an image of what they consider to be the ‘ideal’ of each gender. This gender ideology does not typically represent who we are, but instead advertisers use socially desirable versions of each gender (Vokey, Tefft, andRead MoreFeminism and Constructivism: A Comparison2645 Words   |  11 Pagesperspectives of realism, idealism and behaviouralism . Criticisms leveled by critical theorists, combined with the end of the Cold War and a generational change, led to the displacement of established axes of debate by a new constructivist approach to IR literature . Rooted in sociology, constructivism is about human consciousness and the role of this feature in international life . Dominant rationalist theories make distinctions between the actions and interes ts of states on the basis of economic and securityRead MoreAnalysis Of The Film Crossing The Borderlands Of Sexuality And Gender 1067 Words   |  5 Pagesindividual’s sexuality and gender identity. Gender, the roles the society has constructed for us, is being challenged by the Drag Kings every day. Not only during their routine and in character but by living and accepting their character in their everyday life. What I mean to say is that Drag Kings are not afraid to display their masculinity outside of their shows. Yes, one can argue that it is more socially acceptable for females to dress in men clothing, in reality viewing this documentary

Feminism in Aliens Free Essays

Having carried their gender as a burden for years, woman have now grown to have a massive and essential influence in worldwide cinema. Feminist film theory challenges audiences to understand the source of gender inequality. Predominantly a masculine industry, early film have been said to contain the â€Å"male gaze,† where the audience is placed in the shoes of a heterosexual male and woman are a merely objects to be viewed or damsels to be saved. We will write a custom essay sample on Feminism in Aliens or any similar topic only for you Order Now The science fiction and horror genres are no stranger to this technique often putting women in a helpless situation against monstrous forces until the big hero comes. Aliens, written and directed by Oscar winning James Cameron, turns this gaze around presenting its strong female heroine, Ripley. In Lynda Bundtzen’s article, â€Å"Monstrous Mothers,† she states the film as being â€Å"a profoundly disturbing allegory about contemporary feminism†¦ woman’s culture vs. her culture making aspirations,† (Bundtzen 11) Aliens expresses its major analysis of both genders, but emphasizes female empowerment making it a driving force for feminism in film.It is undeniable that one of the many themes presented in Aliens is that the female gender is far from inferior. In writing the dialogue, Cameron expresses the behavior of a male brute, yet showing their inevitable downfall. During Act I of Cameron’s script, our protagonist, Ripley, is wrongfully thought to be hysterically crazy when warning a room full of men about the dangers of the alien species. The male soldiers share this same flaw undermining the female and expressing their dominance. During the drop of the LV-426 ship, Hudson boasts, â€Å"I’m ready, man, check it out. I am the ultimate badass! State of the badass art! You do not wanna fuck with me. Check it out! Hey Ripley, don’t worry. Me and my squad of ultimate badasses will protect you! Check it out! Independently targeting particle beam phalanx. Vwap! Fry half a city with this puppy. We got tactical smart missiles, phase-plasma pulse rifles, RPGs, we got sonic electronic ball breakers! † (James Cameron, dir. , 1986). Along with a tough front, Hudson also expresses his arrogance asking Vasquez, â€Å"Hey Vasquez, have you ever been mistaken for a man? † she replies, â€Å"No, have you? † (James Cameron, dir. 1986). Not only does Cameron write for Hudson to be ignorant, the female soldier Vasquez seems equal in physical strength, but superior in wit and confidence. The story moves forward, and all the characters begin to show their true selves as the trials wane down their fronts. Aliens begin to close in on the team’s position and Hudson seems weaker as if a scared child screaming, â€Å"Oh dear Lord Jesus, this ain’t happening, man†¦ This can’t be happening, man! This isn’t happening! † (James Cameron, dir. , 1986). The trials brake down this man once filled with superiority into a now inferior being.With experience and wisdom, Ripley seems more calm and collected in handling the situation. Not even the little Newt now seems as much of an infant as the soldier Hudson. As the film moves, more and more do the triumph of the female characters overcome the inferiority of the â€Å"masculine† soldiers; Cameron explores the power of the relationship between mother and daughter or just mother and its offspring. Acting as a motherly figure, Ripley faces almost certain death to save the little girl Newt (an action the males in this film would never execute) .Just as the rays of hope begin to shine on the lives of Newt and Ripley, Cameron’s thematic narrative brings back the true enemy. The only thing standing between them and life is the mother alien herself. The mother is shown as the largest and strongest of the breed with the ability to implement embryos in its victims, or in other words, create life. The â€Å"defeat† and escape of this massive mother is â€Å"only provisional and temporary,† (Bundtzen 11). Aliens, written and directed by a male, is a film that yells for the strength of every type of woman.The innocent child Newt, the tough and admirable Vasquez, the deadly and powerful mother alien, and the heroine of all, Ripley are all glorified in some way. In glorifying the woman, the film simultaneously emasculates the roles of men and expresses a different viewpoint on genders. No longer will the male hero be required to save the day, Ripley shows strength, honor, and bravery in a time when all else fail aspire. Though not a ideological feminist character, Ripley shows the traits of the strong feminine movement.1. Bundtzen, Lynda K. â€Å"Monstrous Mothers: Medusa, Grendel, and now Alien. Film Quarterly. Vol. 15, No. 3. p. 11-17. 1987. 2. Cameron, James, dir. Aliens. Feature Film. Twentieth Century Fox, 1986. Aliens Collector Edition, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, 2003. 3. Doherty, Thomas. â€Å"Genre, Gender, and the Aliens Trilogy. † The Dread of Difference. Barry Keith Grant, Ed. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1996. p. 181-199. 4. Creed, Barbara. â€Å"Horror and the Monstrous Feminine: An Imaginary Abjection. † Screen 27. 1 (1986): 44-70. Rpt. As â€Å"Alien and the Monstrous Feminine. † In Kuhn, Alien Zone (1990): 128-144. How to cite Feminism in Aliens, Papers

Touchdown free essay sample

September 18, 2009. I remember it like it was one year ago. Cheers, chants, and yells surrounded me from all angles. My heart was pounding, I was sweating, and my hair was a little messy but I couldn’t care less. All that mattered was that one moment. The shutter of my camera whirred as it captured the action in front of me. The quarterback yelled out a play and the team moved into position. Click. I reviewed the shot in front of me. Adjusting my lens, I got ready for the touchdown. â€Å"AVERY MOVE!† My friend’s voice was faint but distinctive. Of course, I didn’t think anything of it. Why would I move? I had the perfect spot. I ignored my friend and her jokes and went back to my camera. I was going to get the winning shot. Or, so I thought. Next thing I know, I‘m on my back looking up at a very large, very confused looking football player. We will write a custom essay sample on Touchdown or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I had been tackled. Well, this certainly hadn’t been listed under the description of Yearbook Editor. The two years I had been on staff had always been relatively safe, save for the occasional angry parent or rogue tennis ball. In the year leading up to being named Editor I jumped at every chance I had to impress my advisor. I turned in my copy a week early, I went and did interviews for other member’s spreads, I drove to east of infinity to take pictures of the regional qualifier swim meet. When my name was announced as the 2010-2011 Yearbook Editor, I was ecstatic. All my hard work had finally paid off. Now, it was my senior year and I was on top. Nothing would bring me down, or so I thought. The following Monday, I received a note from the athletic office. As I stared at the envelope, I wondered what might become of me. Surely, the coaches must be angry for ruining their play. Maybe they were going to give me detention or worse: have me tackled again. Hands trembl ing, I opened the envelope. â€Å"On behalf of the TImberwolves, we would like to invite you to be a honorary linebacker of the football team.† I attended many a football game after that night. There’s been nail biters, there’s been snoozers, and there’s been streakers. But no game will ever compare to the night I became an honorary Timberwolf.

What is Net Neutrality examples Essay Example For Students

What is Net Neutrality? examples Essay The term net, or network, neutrality is the idea that internet providers should treat all internet content equally. Net neutrality prohibits discrimination based on the content, user, platform, etc. This principle is based on the idea that the internet providers should be considered as common carriers. Common carriers provide a service without discrimination to the general public, whereas contract and private carriers can refuse to provide a service to consumers at their own discretion. The term network neutrality was coined by Tim Wu, a Columbia professor in 2003 (Wu 2003). Pre-dating the actual term itself, there has been a debate as to whether or not net neutrality should be maintained. This debate is at the forefront of society today regarding the pending merger between internet providers Comcast and Time Warner Cable. Depending on how this debate is resolved could prove very costly for our society.Net neutrality is the main principle behind maintaining an open internet. An open internet allows its users to access all the different content from the internet without any interference from an outside party. Without net neutrality, the internet would be subject to interference from internet providers and governments. We will write a custom essay on What is Net Neutrality? examples specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now In a closed internet, not all internet content is treated equally by internet providers.In 2004, Michael Powell of the Federal Communications Commision (FCC) stated that the consumer is entitled to â€Å"Internet Freedom†. There were four distinct freedoms that Powell talked about: Freedom to Access Content, Freedom to Use Applications, Freedom to Attach Personal Devices, and Freedom to Obtain Service Plan Information (Powell 2004). Powell believed that â€Å"Net Freedom† needed to be preserved, as it would serve as an insura. . internet content. If net neutrality is not maintained the consumer like myself would be left with much higher prices for internet service, which could result in a decrease in internet content which would be good for no one. On the other hand, if there is complete net neutrality, there would be little to no desire to innovate new higher-speed broadband methods, which again could be a problem. The goal of the FCC is to find a middle ground somewhere in between the two sides of this argument, but as it stands if either side gets a complete victory there will be large and horrible consequences. If not compromise is found, terrible consequences could result. While complete net neutrality probably will not be able to be fully enforced, it is important in the coming years to keep an open internet as possible in order to protect the public from abusive internet providers.