Masculinity During Ww2 Essay

World War Two was an important time in the history of gender and masculinity. This paper will discuss why and how masculinity was important during World War Two and what it represented. During the time of World War Two and afterwards, masculinity was regarded and represented in many different aspects. Some of the aspects of masculinity involved was: the American soldiers, their sexual needs, and the Germans view on masculinity.
Masculinity has many different definitions depending on culture. An article by Glenn Penny stated, “the term masculine often turns out to be a rather empty fluid adjective- devoid of moral or emotional meaning” (Penny, 222). Masculinity is viewed in a sexual manner in western United States culture, as well as the soldiers going to fight at war was a sign of masculinity.
During the war masculinity was a matter that was important and the soldiers that fought in this war were regarded as a symbol of this masculinity. As with all war, there were problems that happened, some of which dealt with
The German’s considered masculinity to be important, and felt that the Native American’s were the epitome of masculinity. Glenn Penny stated, “in the German discourse about American Indians, real men are free men possessed of physical and emotional strength as well as independent and proud bearing” (Penny, 223). As stated earlier, masculinity can be fluid in some aspects, and this is one of those moments.
Overall, masculinity was a very integral part of World War Two. The soldiers were a good example of masculinity for going to the war and fighting for their country. The American Native American’s were considered the epitome of masculinity because of their fluidity with masculinity and ability to represent their feminine side as well. Masculinity in the military needed to be shown, and this was done by using prostitution to keep up the soldiers “male physical