Tough guise video essay

Tough Guise video4)According to the video, the myth about the “ real man” describes an imaginary person, who is always assertive, strong, cheerful, athletic and even rude. Katz’s interviewee’s in “ Tough Guise” state: “ A real man is physical.

Strong. Independent. Intimidating. Powerful. Strong.

Independent. In control. Rugged. Scares people. Powerful.

Respected. Hard. A stud.

Athletic. Muscular. A real man is tough.

” This stereotype is predominant in most  societies, so males worldwide are supposed to fit these narrow frames and restrict themselves in shaping their personality. This concept greatly contributes to the spread of violence: according to the video, 90% of all cruel acts are conducted by men. The aforementioned myth about ideal masculinity also points to the behavioral norms imposed on men, who always need to keep themselves fitting the list of qualities. However, the video reveals that males are not “ masculine” from their birth and have their own weaknesses and hidden anxieties. The constant social pressure does not allow them to reveal their weak sides and actualize those traits, which are not attributed to real masculinity. As a result, frustration develops and the person becomes more aggressive and inclined to violence. In addition, there exists a number of cruel media images which encourage males to overuse physical force; moreover, since the early childhood, males are driven into the “ masculinity box” by words like fag used to punish those who do not meet the standard.

Boys are also more frequently battered as compared to girls. Therefore, according to the video, masculinity can be defined as “ toughness” and tendency to resolving conflicts with fists and obtaining respect through violence. Therefore, the episodes like shooting at school, described in the Donahue show, can be categorized as the direct consequences of this definition. Nowadays, American jails and prisons are overpopulated, and about 80 percent of inmates are male. As a result, women and children often become victims of domestic violence and rape, whereas increasingly more men kill one another in street fights.

5)In can recollect an interesting example of man hiding his real self is Gatsby from Scott Fitzgerald’s “ The Great Gatsby”. The novel reveals that Gatsby is a gangster, who capitalizes on alcohol prohibition and smuggles spirits in order to sell; moreover, the author mentions that he once killed a man who intervened into his illegal activity (Fitzgerald, 1993). The contemporary “ American dream” prescribed that men were wealthy and determined, so Gatsby behaved in accordance with this stereotype. The image is quite intimidating, but as the plot develops, the reader can see his “ other side” – tender, romantic and weak. It appears that the character engaged with this violent circle for the purpose of bringing back his ex-lover Daisy and surprising her with extravagance and luxury.

Out of love for Daisy this allegedly inveterate delinquent takes the responsibility for Daisy’s crime, murder of her husband’s mistress, thus revealing his real nature. Therefore, the persona he wore before is merely a set of behavioral patterns of confidence and toughness that allow him to remain respected. For instance, he puts on his persona when inviting his business partners and neighbors from his wealthy district: in such evenings, he seeks to obtain their admiration by talking about his numerous heroic deeds, boosting disputes and organizing eccentric entertainments, so that every guest can say that he is a true businessman and assertive personality. His authentic self appears as he has a private conversation with his close friend or meets Daisy – at such moments, he becomes really sensitive and emotive, opens himself, talking about his fears and concerns about interpersonal relations. The difference, as one can assume, is considerable and thus makes one ponder the results of such behavior, which include discontent with the impossibility of expressing emotions, doing interesting job and remaining in peace with oneself. The “ social persona” becomes so multifaceted that it resembles  a separate personality. The person begins to believe in this social image so fanatically that it gradually expands and suppresses the real self.   Reference listFitzgerald, F.

S. (1993). The Great Gatsby.

Wordsworth Editions. Tough Guise: Violence, Media and the Crisis in Masculinity (video) (2007). Media Education Foundation.