Analysis Of Michael Kimmels Men, Masculinity, And The...

2. Masculinity is a term that is often associated with strength, power, control, and dominance in men. However, many texts support the claim that masculinity can be perceived as â€Å"socially constructed† and available for systematic discrepancy, similar to femininity. For example, in Michael Kimmel’s â€Å"Men, Masculinity, and the Rape Culture,† Kimmel identifies the â€Å"traditional masculinity† in which men exclusively can experience the â€Å"right to manhood† and the â€Å"dare and aggression† that is rightfully theirs (Kimmel, 142). Kimmel cites psychologist Robert Brannon for identifying the precepts of manhood and masculinity in America. These rules are as follows: â€Å"no sissy stuff,† â€Å"be a big wheel,† â€Å"be a sturdy oak,† and â€Å"give ‘em hell,† (Kimmel,†¦show more content†¦Bordo continues to claim that the phallus becomes the almighty symbol by stating, â€Å"†¦ [T]he phallus stands, not for the superior fitness of an individual male over other men, but for generic male superiority- not only over females but also over other species,† (Bordo, 89). This indirectly aligns with Kimmel’s claims which were previously mentioned. Therefore, the erect penis-shape suggests upward aspiration and strength while the â€Å"soft† penis exemplifies weakness and disappointment (Bordo, 91). Furthermore, Bordo’s writing suggests another angle of masculinity by discussing the history of the development of the phallic object. In a period of the attempt to understand the phallic object, sexuality became an issue and embarrassment for the soul. An erect penis became the symbol for the lack of self-control and irrational desires. Bordo states, â€Å"Not surprisingly, the penis began to be seen as an object of shame, a rebellious little piece of flesh that kept pursuing the body’s irrational desires,† (Bordo, 90). This depiction ceased male superiority from paralleling sexual capabilities. This argument counters Kimmel’s by suggesting that the penis does not give power to a male-bodied person, but instead, the penis needs to be hidden from view to suggest intellectual potential and respect of an individual. This type of view can be considered â€Å"masculine shame†; however, this view