Tough Guise: Violence, Media & the Crisis in Masculinity

http://www.mediaed.org

While the social construction of femininity has been widely examined, the dominant role of masculinity has until recently remained largely invisible. Tough Guise is the first educational video geared toward college and high school students to systematically examine the relationship between pop-cultural imagery and the social construction of masculine identities in the U.S. at the dawn of the 21st century.

In this innovative and wide-ranging analysis, Jackson Katz argues that widespread violence in American society, including the tragic school shootings in Littleton, Colorado, Jonesboro, Arkansas, and elsewhere, needs to be understood as part of an ongoing crisis in masculinity.

This exciting new media literacy tool-- utilizing racially diverse subject matter and examples-- will enlighten and provoke students (both males and females) to evaluate their own participation in the culture of contemporary masculinity.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• MEF
• Media
• Education
• Literacy
• Critical
• Mass
• Industry
• Educational
• Sut
• Jhally
• Jackson
• Katz
• Masculinity
• Pop
• Culture
• Violence

[MzLoathsome]

people should watch the full video its really something, especially men need to watch this, just for the sake of watching it.

[TWBennett1]

Men don't CONCEAL their emotions they CONTROL them. Anger can blind one's judgement and empathy can manipulate your intentions. Men have emotions they are just MORE CAREFUL WITH THEM.

Independence is stressed because guardians can't always protect you, you'll become an adult or maybe a parent someday. People will eventually depend on to you.

Men disregard their problems to keep others safe. This is Service Before Self.

"WITH GREAT POWER, COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY"

[HookemHorns972]

@coolfool425

I don't believe that's true at all. Women get more physical and are more likely to do so. It goes unreported because it isn't taken seriously. Most MEN today happen to be raised by women. See where the violence comes from?

[NancyHey]

I think he makes some good points. While it is certainly natural for men to act different from women, there are too many images in the media equating masculinity with violence

[TWBennett1]

My issue with this documentary is that it denounces the masculine nature as a learned product of the media; which seeks to dominate and destroy. People misjudge boys and men, they aren't given the benefit of the doubt.

At part 7, Jackson didn't give a precise solution to this problem. He means well but I think he's is incorrect.

If you don't agree tell me why

Without proper management, masculine energy can be: aggressive, unruly, mischievious, anxious, apathetic, chaotic, or worse.

[TWBennett1]

But I think he stops short of the BIG PICTURE. Despite the criticisms to manhood this video supports; he takes qualities of adolescent boys/ young men and demonizes them. Due to testosterone, boys: Behave more wildly, Compete with more assertiveness, Engage in physical labor, Have more energy to expand.

Males explore dangerous activities to test their limits and achieve a higher potential: like Chan, Norris, Knievel, Bruce Lee, Bolt, or Phelps. Males view their body as a tool to take action.

[TWBennett1]

Now I've have seen the film numerous times & think he makes a valid argument. Today's males feel lost. Many engage in destructive mannerisms that harm people or society. Males struggle to mature or release stress in the 21 century, and as a result they have become a concern.

He believes 'Violent Masculinity' is harmful to boys today because of the modern mediums. His idea of 'False Manhood' males desire is fascinating because it reaches deep into the male nature and our culture's stereotypes.

[TWBennett1]

@Danceswithyewtube I must say I adore account profile id; you seem quite witty.

But it seems I have stirred up some confusion with you. And I apologize for my earlier remark, if it has given you the wrong impression about me. I am not complaining about 'Man bashing' or 'being mean to men'. I do not wish to seem one-sided or discredit Jackson Katz. Nor do I mean to be offensive to the audience. My response was meant to open another viewpoint to the problems the video addresses.

[Danceswithyewtube]

@TWBennett1 OMFG why is there ALWAYS someone who has to have this little rant? (You're being mean to men! We're nice sometimes, too!) THIS VIDEO IS NOT ABOUT THE POSITIVE QUALITIES of masculinity FFS. To challenge the issues you need to confront them, not sugar-coat and hand-hold.

[TWBennett1]

Jackson Katz, as a man, I am surprised that you put so much emphasis on negative male behaviors without once recognizing the many positive qualities males have. It's true much violence and crime are committed by men but even more men stand up to protect the law and defend those who are at danger from attackers, be them male or female.

I think you are confusing your audience by assuring them that there are no positive outlets boys to become decent men. And men are being raised to be violent.

[coolfool425]

all this guy is does throughout the movie is repeatedly say that most violent attacks is perpetrated by men (that's true), and blames masculinity and the action media. all he wants is to teach males to not be part of the masculine culture and be masculine and feminize, which i think is unhealthy and wrong.