Girly Men: The Media's Attack on Masculinity
In “Girly Men: The Media’s Attack on Masculinity,” S.T. Karnick addresses the blatant demasculinization of modern men by today’s media. When referring to masculinity, Karnick attributes it as being “aggressive and competitive” (2) as well as not prioritizing “emotions over achievements” (2). That is to say that he views masculinity as being tough, emotionally strong, and powerful. Karnick contends that the abominable way the media is exhibiting masculinity in both men and women is creating similar behaviors that may become evident in society. He uses comedic examples such “Big Shots” and “Knocked Up” and action-related examples such as “Bionic Women” and “Resident Evil” to support his argument.
As a preface, Karnick references Christina Hoff-Sommers’ book “The War Against Boys: How Misguided Feminism Is Harming Our Young Men,” which discusses how educational systems are suppressing masculinity, in connection to his claim. He notes that Hoff-Sommers observed that “school curricula […] are skewed toward girls’ strengths and away from those of boys.” Karnick feels that the same phenomenon is occurring in the media. He argues that the emphasis on feminine characteristics, such as sensitivity, is having an effect on males in movies and television. One effect being that is has caused many male characters to become soft and adopt behaviors like “expressing their feelings” (“Associated Press” 2). Karnick asserts that the emphasis on men displaying feminine behaviors is causing a shift in how both males and females are being depicted in the media. When referring to females in the media, he makes this observation: “women kick more ass” (Karnick 3). In movies such as “The Brave One,” “Underworld,” and “Resident Evil,” he observes a newfound trend that features female leads displaying attributes that are supposed to be present in males. They are powerful “physically, economically, and sexually” (Karnick 2). Karnick argues that the overwhelming presence of
As a preface, Karnick references Christina Hoff-Sommers’ book “The War Against Boys: How Misguided Feminism Is Harming Our Young Men,” which discusses how educational systems are suppressing masculinity, in connection to his claim. He notes that Hoff-Sommers observed that “school curricula […] are skewed toward girls’ strengths and away from those of boys.” Karnick feels that the same phenomenon is occurring in the media. He argues that the emphasis on feminine characteristics, such as sensitivity, is having an effect on males in movies and television. One effect being that is has caused many male characters to become soft and adopt behaviors like “expressing their feelings” (“Associated Press” 2). Karnick asserts that the emphasis on men displaying feminine behaviors is causing a shift in how both males and females are being depicted in the media. When referring to females in the media, he makes this observation: “women kick more ass” (Karnick 3). In movies such as “The Brave One,” “Underworld,” and “Resident Evil,” he observes a newfound trend that features female leads displaying attributes that are supposed to be present in males. They are powerful “physically, economically, and sexually” (Karnick 2). Karnick argues that the overwhelming presence of