In the article entitled, “Men growing up to be Boys” written by Lakshmi Chaudhry, the author makes clear that media and the idea of consumerism has been influencing men to gradually leave the now perceived “old-fashioned” virtues of men. By neglecting or leaving such virtues adult men may be expected to take on such as self-denial, sacrifice, values of duty, and honor, men lose themselves in a society influenced world that convinces them that they can still have the best of both worlds: a wholesome living perhaps with a wife and children along with their teenage boy-hood fantasy world. However, the reality of this as portrayed by Lakshmi Chaudhry, is more men lacking in upright, admirable qualities as they choose to be living out their boyhood rather than pursuing maturity in adulthood that follows being secure, stable, responsible, and settled. I too also agree with Chaudhry and her insights that media has in fact influenced more men to lose such qualities. Especially with today’s technology, the media is full of subtle ways to occupy individuals, entrapping them to their pleasures and leaving them with no time to evaluate what is really meaningful to their lives. Because it is easier for one to choose pleasure over sacrifice, and because choosing pleasure is lifted highly in our society through media, men commonly fall into being a “man-boy” as Lakshmi Chaudhry describes.
In today’s society, masculinity leaves behind critical traits and values such as honor, taking on responsibilities, and a man's sense of duty to the household. Because you have men struggling to fulfill the set of expectations set up by themselves in regards to having a family, women seem to have greater struggles when it comes to successfully raising a family.They become the initiators, wanting to have children rather than the male because of their inadequacy. I believe that masculinity should not have been deteriorated by media; that the gender roles in a family should be kept in a more traditional manner. Men would realize and accept the sacrifices needed to raise up a proper family and take on the responsibilities.
In “Why You Shouldn’t Have Children” written by Caitlin Moran, the writer expresses that the role of women should not be bound to child-bearing and raising up children. Although being a mother contributes to numerous experiences and values, the same can be said to women who choose not to have children, who live life adventurously and seize the wonderful moments of life. Choosing not to have children allows women to cultivate themselves outside of the pressures society norms have on women to inevitably bear children. This is important because it shows society that the happiness and wholesomeness of a women does not depend on whether or not they have children. Furthermore, it proves that they are just as fine as women with children are. Society needs more of such women to override the gender stereotyping of women and children.
I completely agree with your first response to the first question in that media heavily influences the way men behave. There are many shows on TV that portray fathers to be lazy and only out to do what pleases them. However, there are also shows that portray fathers to be very caring and hardworking. Ultimately making sacrifices and making one’s family happy is what it takes to be a man and the media shows both sides of that statement. I believe that men chose which path to lean to. The idea of masculinity has remained the same but the way it is shown has altered. The idea of masculinity has shifted from being rough and tough to willing caring. Men however, do have the last say in which way they end up. I would like to add to your second response that masculinity plays the role of a mold. The idea of masculinity is meant to mold boys to be men in the sense of being providers and putting their family first. I would like to agree with your final response. I don’t believe women should be forced to think they have to have kids to be a woman. With women’s perception of themselves changing, in the sense that women are more independent, woman should not have to depend on having a child to feel like they are true women. Like Moran states, there are many important experiences that do not revolve around motherhood. Although motherhood does have some great life lessons, there many other important lessons one can learn by simply living life.
ReplyDelete