Masculinities

While reading about different theories about masculinities I realized that masculinity and femininity were in almost every part of our society. Just like Dr. Halberstam said, whenever I go to the gym I always see the guys lifting weights and the girls always on the treadmill or elliptical for what seems like forever. Whenever a girl uses the bench or leg press machines the guys always ask her how many sets they had left. Society has glorified males who are larger in size and thus men try and strive for what is seen as being masculine. While females try and lose weight because society has exhibited that thin women are what is see as feminine and desirable.

Thus the question of what is seen as masculine has emerged. In the past the men used to dress up over the top and almost feminine like to display their families social class, while their wives remained at home with boring clothing on. However, in today's society a man's sexuality is questioned if he wears a pink shirt. I don't understand how society has changed in such drastic ways. I also don't feel as though women should act a certain way or do certain things and men should not feel the need to act a certain way. My mother is a very feminine person however, she plays sports with me and enjoys watching sports with me. While my cousin who is a boy taught me how to fix tattered clothing. However, my mother and cousin are not homosexual they simply like things that are not seen as consistent with their gender. Masculinity has been redefined throughout history and will no doubt change again in the future. The definition of masculinity is something traditionally considered to be characteristics of males, however, what are traditional male characteristics. Lifting weights? Not asking for directions? Being more aggressive? Drinking beer and watching sports? Crying only when their favorite sports team loses? I lift weights because I love the feeling I get after, I get reinvigorated and gain a sort of confidence. I guess that sort of makes me a bit masculine. Overall I will admit that I am a masculine man, however, I do express myself emotionally. I did cry when my rabbit passed away when I was 18 (We had her for nearly 12 years). I believe that once society disregards masculinity and femininity and views each person as human beings we will then truly become a cohesive and progressive civilization.