In my eyes, and what I see as being brought forth by the media, masculinities are ways of being a man or showing characteristics that are seen to be “manly.” Masculinity surrounds concepts viewed both on television, and appear in the ways that many individuals of the male gender act both in their appearance, speech, and the way men carry themselves. The media has had, and still contributes, to conceptions of masculine behavior which is acceptable to society. For example, from their tender toddler years, boys are placed with ideas of masculinities in TV shows or video games, and even by their fathers or other males in their lives. Among my own family and friends, the males I know love to influence the younger boys into how they should act, what they should like, and even how they should dress. I can easily recall many times when my male friends have commented on how boys younger than themselves are acting and what fits into their eyes of “masculinity.” Among my surroundings, older men influence the younger generation whenever they see anything that is seen as being out of order. For example, my friend mentioned that my little cousin takes too much interest in “feminine” topics rather than, in his words, “doing the things that all boys should be doing.” What exactly was this “feminine” act, you ask? It was the way that this young boy was speaking to my sisters and I; in my eyes he made comments that I thought were very cute such as compliments on my outfit or wanting to sit around with the girls in my family, but apparently they went against “masculinity.” Ha! Perhaps the mannerisms have decreased nowadays, and maybe men in today’s generation have to also be talking a certain way in order to be considered “masculine.” The thing that is especially unsettling to me is the fact that even literature has taken an idea of masculinity and contributes to what is acceptable of masculine behavior. George Orwell’s 1984 also appeared to show what masculinity is in the mere concept of “Big Brother.” Throughout Oceania, there are constant reminders in the posters all around the city saying that Big Brother is viewing all of their actions, subsequently adding into the idea that a masculine behavior or tendency is being a shield of some sort. Big Brother promotes the fact that a man is watching over the city, and the notion of fearing men. The title of Big Brother in itself makes the citizens think that Big Brother is a man, further contributing to the idea that the main guardians of the citizens are men. Overall, the concept of masculinity and what does or does not fit into the category has been relevant in both the past, and in my belief will remain for the present and the future. The uproar of TV shows, movies, video games, and masculine figures makes this just one of those topics that remains in what are the accepted views or behaviors of today’s society.
