What characteristics reinforce masculinity in American culture?

Question

I am curious about others' opionions on this. A friend from another culture felt that it is the man's job to protect and provide for his family, but also controlling the family including the wife helped reinforce his masculinity. What characteristics reinforce masculinity in American culture? In other words what do Americans feel makes a man a man?

Please give me realistic and serious answers....Thanks!

Let me rephrase that... In other words what makes a man a respected, 'strong' man in American culture?

Answer 1

My opinion is that you just summed it up with your question. A man should be a strong leader in his family and an example for his children. He should be the financial leader, the spiritual leader and role model in the family. He also should be his wife's partner, best friend and equal and should know enough about family life that he could step in and take over all the duties in the event of something happening to his spouse. Helping with the housework and chores is also something I think he needs to do as that also sets an example and it shows his wife that he loves her and is willing to do whatever it takes to help around the house so she will not be to tired. He also needs to be a strong disciplinarian and back the wife up with her discipline and stand firm for what is right. A respected and strong man also prays with his family. The kids watch ALL of these things and learn from them.....

Answer 2

America is the symbol of democracy and freedom and this i say being an indian which is upposedly the largest democracy in the world.
The next few words are from a man from his heart.

In general firstly masculinity and manhood are not about control or oppression.A real man is one who fights for the underdog,who cares and loves his faimly and his biggest turn on is his wife ,the mother of his children ,who whther she is 18 or 80 doesent matter to him.

Masculinity is about fighting with equals or superiors and being the last man standing.Its not about bullying or cowardice.

He might not have the physical werewithal but he has a heart bigger than this planet can accomodate.

thats what masculinity is to me.

In america as some of my american friends have pointed out the real man is one who doesent hit back at women but silently waits for them to find their way and consciousness and then embraces her with all the love that god instilled in him for womankind.

He is just a little hurt at the fact that women in his times have branded all of his kind as bad when actually he is as much a victim of the system as the woman.

I somehow feel that when you say the word MAN and then WOMAN it compliments the former.

Answer 3

The standards have become very low in American culture. For both men and women. But if I were to look back 20 years, I would say that a strong man in American culture was one who maintained employment and provided for his family, was a good father and took time to play with his children, and showed respect for his wife. In short, he was a man who taught right from wrong and lived a decent life.

Answer 4

Good question, but I think you have touched on part of the answer already. Also if you look at evolution, and human history, for the most part it has been the mans job to provide food and shelter, and like it or not part of out chromosomes (spelling?) are tied to out ancient hunter gatherer ancestors. For that matter has human nature had any fundamental shifts since antiquity?

Answer 5

A man is simply someone with a penis. A respected man is one that takes care of his responsibilities, whethor it is in his family, at work or in the community. He doesn't have to make the most money but he does what he can with what he has and he's always striving to achieve more.

Answer 6

It depends who you asking,there is no set ideal,one person might look for one set of qualities while someone else would shun them.That's the beauty of human nature,we're all different and have different thoughts and ideas.What may put one person off may be a great charm to another.

Personally I believe a man needs to be strong of mind and if possible of body too.Intelligent,decisive, gentle when he needs to be (i.e with children) but firm if the situation calls for it,understanding,protective.He needs to be there for the ones he loves and he needs to set a good role model for those that look up to him.

Answer 7

physical strenghth, *********, the need to provide for a family... father figure, sports, mechanics, and tools

Answer 8

Brute force and cunning intelligence.

Answer 9

A penis.