Gender Stereotypes in Think Like a Man

In Dave Barry’s reflection. “Guys vs. Men,” he introduces the idea that the term “man” presents more negative qualities, unlike the term “guy,” which gives males free reign to indulge in stereotypical characteristics. He characterizes “guy” as a gender that likes “neat unnecessary stuff, who engage in pointless competitions with each other, and lack moral and social graces.” Barry argues the idea that “Men” is a term that holds too much responsibility and unwritten expectations for guys-who function on less complex regulations. Dave Barry creates a humorous satire based on what it means to be a “guy,”combining common stereotypes and their everyday habits.

Have you ever wondered why all men act the same? In the reading “Bros Before Hos: The Guy Code”, Michael Kimmel critics what it means to be a man and the “Guy Code” they are expected to follow. According to Kimmel, masculinity is a problematic social construct that invokes behaviors that men tend to follow unconsciously. The unconscious behaviors that men tend to follow is know as the “Guy Code” that is passed down to them when they were young. Kimmel informs the audience, mainly women about the negative effects inflicted upon men due to following the “Guy Code”. Kimmel uses pathos and logos very effectively to paint an image of why men act the way they do and how it hurts them.

Building on the notions of femininity and masculinity, the author outlines all the cliché qualities of men and women, supporting them with vivid imagery, while also being careful with his

Kimmel discusses about the assumed principles of masculinity that American culture establishes on younger men. These principles are said to be the norm to what any man would believe, such as the phrases “Boys Don’t cry”, “Don’t Get Mad – Get Even”, and “never show your

In today’s society, and throughout modern history, masculinity has often taken the role of defining how men should act, and be seen amongst everyday living. Throughout Michael Kimmel’s excerpt from his critically acclaimed nonfiction Guyland excerpt published 2008, he addresses, and researches these social queues and aims to put perspective on why, and how the rules of masculinity define manhood. He does this through his vast use of credible resources, and stories of effected individuals which further support his claims and credibility. Not only does he provide several examples of well-known psychologists whose own ideals support those that he writes about, he also uses a variety of other professions ranging from psychologist, anthropologist, poets, and even well noted playwrights to show that his views and ideals of masculinity can be observed across all aspects of careers, and

Dave Barry, a humorous author writes “Guys vs Men” to try to enlighten the term “man”. He focuses on certain aspects that separate guys and men to separate stereotypical characteristics. Barry entertains readers as he uses funny comparisons, analogies, and entertaining punch lines to support his what he thinks the distinct differences between guys and men really are. Barry argues the idea that “man”, is a term that comes with responsibility and unwritten expectations for guys. The intent is to stress that there is another way to look at males, perhaps not characterize as characteristically masculine, but just as a “guy”.

In, Bros Before Hos: The Guy Code, Michael Kimmel investigates the values of men. The ideal young man is imposed to live up to society’s expectations through a set of rules called the “guy code” which is instilled into him during adolescence. Family, friends, and the media teach young men how they should act and feel since the guy code is what culture perceives as masculinity. Moreover, Kimmel defines the guy code as “a collection of attitudes, values, and traits that together compose what it means to be a man.” Men are not to cry, men must be strong, men must achieve great feats and obtain wealth and power; these examples of the code are well represented through media as well as the community. For example, men in movies as well as in society

Never cry or show any emotion, when things happen take it like man, do not get mad, get even. These along with many other rules are makeup “the Guy Code” believed to shape what masculinity in American society. “’Bros before Hoes’: The Guy Code” by Michael Kimmel discusses a set of epigrams and analyzes American masculinity. These ideals of what is takes to be a “man” are often portrayed by hip-hop artists in today’s mainstream music industry.

The movie surveyed a wide array of the troubles faced by boys and men as they try to navigate the realm of masculinity. A common theme was the command “be a man” and the cultural baggage that comes with living up to that ideal. To “be a man” means to not cry, to not be sensitive, to not let people mess with you, to respond with violence, to be angry, to drink, to womanize.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” (SOURCE). Manhood and being a “real man” is defined in many different ways depending on the person. However, most of these things that men are defined by can be done by any gender and there are people that make it their work to prove that. The social construct of manhood has overall negative consequences on society; however, not all men uphold this construct, and can prove to be advocates of change.

Throughout the history of the world, and specifically in the United States, the pressure that has been forced onto men in society has not only had a significant impact on the people themselves but in society as well. This can be seen through America’s history, the evolution of men and masculinity and even reflected through the development and growth of women and women’s roles in history. The expectation placed on men to conform to what would be considered masculine in that era was an extremely important factor in a young man’s life. This pressure was enforced not only by society but by men themselves who held each other to a specific and high standard. In order to understand the role that men play in society and the ideology of masculinity,

In the excerpt from the 2008 book, Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men, by Michael Kimmel titled, “‘Bros Before Hos’: The Guy Code,” Kimmel describes the standards men are expected to conform in today’s American society using his four rules of being a man. The first rule, “No Sissy Stuff!” tells men to never reveal their weaknesses; the second, “Be a Big Wheel,” implies men need to flaunt their wealth and power; the third rule, “Be a Sturdy Oak,” describes how men should always be reliable; and the fourth, “Give ‘em Hell,” states how men need to be aggressive (Kimmel 541-542). In addition, Kimmel also discusses the “Gender Police” (Kimmel 544), where men criticize other men when they are not up to par with the set standards. This also leads to homophobia, depression, and even suicide. Kimmel’s piece clearly illustrates the societal standards men are pressured to reach, bringing along severe negative side effects, using a multitude of support as well as effective writing style and tone.

The gender stereotypes, which are constructed by our society, formulate what is required to “be a man”. The desired stereotypical trait of masculinity is a well-established male characteristic, which is vital to fit with assigned gender norms. It is perceived as desirable attribute among society, when in actuality may be causing harm with how it is shaping younger generations. The gender characteristic of masculinity and the attributes required to make a man, have been causing various mental health issues among males. The mental heath issues caused by masculinity are discussed in the movie, The Masks You Live in. Through the ideas of The Mask You Live in, this paper will discuss toxic norms associated with masculinity, how they are

“Stop with the emotions and stop with the tears. Be a man.” Most men in our society can remember the first time that these words were said to them. Ex-football player Joe Ehrmann believes the phrase “be a man” is “one of the most destructive phrases in this culture.” When some men hear this, they accept the false need for masculinity and begin to comply with that value, but some don’t conform. Whether it’s on purpose or by chance, some men feel as if they are able to express their emotions, and sometimes those people are pushed towards violence and suicide by the more “masculine” men of our society. This ideal of our country and it’s repercussions compare very similarly to George Orwell’s 1984, where the government’s entrenched ideals caused

How women are perceived by others, and how women perceive themselves, impacts their leadership roles in the work place. Stereotypes and gender biases are themes women have been dealing with for centuries. How women are perceived by social medial and television have been influencing how they are treated by men, and how they view themselves when it comes to taking a leadership role in their organization. According to Omega Institute (2012), “The rapidly shifting landscape of new media and technology, including reality television and celebrity culture, continue to reinforce gender stereotypes” (p. 1). This leads to men still growing up viewing women as home makers versus bread winner. With more women entering leadership roles in the work place they lack the respect from men due to how these men have grown up to know the typical role of a man and woman. Men tend to feel belittled due to the gender stereotypes seen on television, and this leads to women struggling to succeed as a leader with the lack of support from their male counterparts. Lack of confidence with women in the workplace is also influenced and effected by how women are perceived in social media and television. According to Steele (2005), “Exposure to stereotypic commercials persuade women to avoid leadership roles” (p. 276). As young women grow up seeing the typical gender stereotypes they lack ambitions to break the mold and