Strong Enough For a Man...

Violence has become a part of our everyday lives. Whether is be on the television programs, video games or on our playgrounds. Its now a standard of living, but also is getting worse.

As a society, we should be discussing violence, but not only that. We should be discussing male violence, and why we accept it. Almost 90% of violence is committed by males. This unfortunately does not surprise me. What surprises me is that these acts of violence are only being highlighted and rewarded in our everyday lives.

Boys Will Be Boys is the mantra everyone uses for an excuse to condone the behaviour of all men around us. For as long as anyone can remember women have been the dainty, well behaved kind, while men have been the tough, strong ones who can do whatever they want. This stereotype of men is taught to everyone through television, movies, video games and through the advertisements and media we are exposed to every day.
The message being sent out is that for one, all men should grow up and be strong and tough, but also that young boy and men have the right to be violent because that's just who they are. What many don't seem to realize is that most victims of violent crimes are other men. Women may be portrayed as the victims, but they really aren't. What i don't seem to understand is why people everywhere seem to find this okay. Making games and shows that show little boys that they are not a real man unless they fight, don't cry, and are big a full of muscle. We are allowing advertisers to mold the brains of all men into believing they have to be this certain way. We should instead be teaching men and boys to be who they are, that just because they're not tough or violent, or heroic, they are great people.
Women hate being stereotyped, in fact every person I've know hates to be stereotyped, so why are we allowing every single man to be stereotypes.
The advertisers have made up 5 stereotypes that men should follow. Which include:

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

Bands like Meatloaf and Kiss, showed for many generations that being bad ass, and not caring what people thought, or what the rules were, made them the ultimate man.

THE CAVE MAN MENTALITY

The television show Tutors depicts the old years, where Kings and Princes ruled with power, strength and force. Shows like this, show that throughout the years have always used brute strength to be 'popular'.

THE NEW WARRIORS

This ad only glamorizes the warrior attitude. The strong army guy, with guns who just happens to have a beautiful women in his arms while he fights and wins battles.



MUSCLES AND THE IDEAL MAN

This is a humorous ad, that depicts the 'ideal' man. Even the smallest man in the ad, isn't that small. The other two man are completely 'ripped' and muscular, being seemingly hot.


HEROIC MASCULINITY Batman is an idol on his own. He is a hero, saving his town from all evil, while getting the girl. Not only with batman, but with most heroes, Hollywood likes to glamorize the violent acts these heroes are involved in, making in seem like a necessity.