Tough Guise

I really enjoyed watching the documentary Tough Guise in class. It really got you thinking about a lot of issues relating to masculinity, ones that are often times not addressed in modern U.S. Possibly my favorite part of the entire documentary is how they really dig deep into the statistic of which 90% of violence is committed by boys and men. While I was aware of this statistic, I had never sat down and truly thought about why men were the main perpetrator of violence. The documentary helped clarify this question for me, by really showing that the culture we live in is constantly immersing men even kids in the notion that violence is a normal, natural part, not just of the world, but of being masculine. And when men don't conform, they are called, pussy, whimp, emotional, queer, or fags. Furthermore, training, conditioning and socializing boys and men. Thus the true lesson I have gained from this video is that male violence, whether rape, murder, or domestic violence, needs to be understood as part of an ongoing crisis in masculinity. And that we all as a society must work to break the media controlled by rich, white men who control the existing stories and include more about men as humans not trapped by the guise. 

Overall, this documentary has taught and made me aware of some serious issues, as well as several ideas about masculinity and violence that I will take with me long after I leave the classroom.