Documentary on the Crisis of Masculinity in the Media
December 18th, 2007 by RyanTough Guise is documentary that discusses the links between violence in the media and society's idea of masculinity.
Although the film is a bit dated, the problems discussed still ring true about the trouble that men are experiencing in understanding their own masculinity.
Jackson Katz, who describes himeself as "one of America's leading anti-sexist male activists," talks about the idea of a "tough guise" that men put on as a mask to hide their deeper vulnerabilities and emotions.
The film discusses how this idea came about and how masculinity is often portrayed in the media as physical and mental strength, power over others, and violence while traits such as vulnerability, emotion, and compassion are seen as weak and unmanly.
While its true that that many men misunderstand these ideas about masculinity, I don't think we can just place all the blame on the media as the root cause of this "crisis" (although it definitely perpetuates the "tough guise"), but rather, the media is a response to something else, mainly a lack of authentic and mature masculine power.
The documentary spends about a good amount of time discussing the areas where masculinity is distorted in the media, then spends only the last few minutes talking about ways to improve the situation.
Although this film probably does accomplish a lot as far as improving our awareness as men, it does not give a clear direction as to where to go next. That is pretty much where the "tough guys" find themselves in their own life; not sure where to go next or how to really be a man.
This film was definitely spot-on in describing the problems men face and is enjoyable to watch. All in all, it will improve your awareness of the situation and is a good first step out of the old view of the macho man.
To view the video in full screen click here.
For more info on the video click here.
A good next step for many men, may be to get in touch with their authentic self through their own Wild man and Warrior. Robert Bly goes into depth on this, in his Iron John story and in the Documentary "A Gathering of Men."
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December 19th, 2007 at 12:28 am
Hi Ryan,
I think the media have a high opinion of themselves. I think it’s our friends and families that have most influence on how we see ourselves.
My struggle wasn’t to undo Sean Connery’s James Bond but the way my father related to my mother.
I think this is both hopeful and difficult. Each of us can maybe bring change to a few. Society wide transformation won’t come about just from a few TV programs preaching the message (if only it were so easy!)
December 19th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
That was an excellent video! Great points were made
December 19th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Evan that’s a great point. Change starts with each person and their sphere of influence, especially in families and raising youth. I admire people that live the change they want to see rather then protesting and trying to force others or society to change.
Bigsend, what up man!
December 19th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Thank you for the video – its an interesting watch
December 19th, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Evan, I like what you said about undoing. How we relate to the feminine is largely dependent on first-hand experiences.
I’m fond of the idea that if you present a problem, you should also present a possible solution (no matter how helpful you think it might be). There is a lack of masculinity, but what do we do about it?
One thing off the top of my head is to get more men to to participate more in hard physical labor. There is something about the active use of physical strength that nurtures the masculine.
What comes to your mind?
December 20th, 2007 at 1:02 am
ryan,
found your blog through blogcatalog and am very impressed with your blog (great design and content! love the header btw). i’ll have to check this video out, as a lot of my guy friends actually put on a tough guise – they’re the macho type, you can say. i think masculinity is pretty skewed in the media when it comes to music videos of rap stars and thugs, but not so much in the sphere of comedies such as The Office etc. i also enjoy discussing masculinity on my blog, hope to stay in touch on the blogosphere!
December 20th, 2007 at 2:16 am
Hi Bart,
A stray thought I have had for years is the teaching of the art of driving – easily the most dangerous thing that most of us do in our daily lives.
A good place to explore skill, receptivity to what is going on around and how to negotiate our way.
An exercise to try is ‘talk cavemen’ (only to be tried with those who understand and are willing): skip the politeness just say “gimme . . . ” or “want . . .” I’ve done this and the experience can be quite profound.
Anyone got any other ideas?
December 27th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Hey Seeker, thanks for good words. Bart, physical activity is definitely good to get you into your body though I wouldn’t limit it to only hard labor, things like you mentioned in the other thread like sculpting can improve the masculine also.
Anything where a man can focus his energy into purpose, and utilize his unique gifts (his highly tuned skills), to create something useful can feel very masculine.
Physical strength is very empowering though, and being healthy in general allows us to be more in balance which lets our core energy shine through us.
Gale, Thanks for the comment, I like your blog. Good to see other bloggers on a similar topic.
Hey Evan, that’s an interesting thought about the art of driving. I don’t know much about it, how could we use it to our advantage?
Meditation has helped me become more masculine. The ability to turn off your mind allows for less bs from the mind to come up during your interactions with other people. There’s something about silence and being stationary that is very masculine.
January 9th, 2008 at 12:26 am
[...] thing that this documentary on the problems of masculinity pointed out was that the mask many men wear to conceal their emotions is actually a form of [...]
February 18th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
[...] thing that this documentary on the problems of masculinity pointed out was that the mask many men wear to conceal their emotions is actually a form of [...]
May 13th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Cool video, and I agree that many people take masculinity differently than they should. I could list 100 examples in 5 minutes, but want to save my time