INTRODUCTION: WHAT MAKES A MAN? Answer questions 1 and 2 before watching the 'What Makes a Man?' video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BQMY7Xnubc&feature=emb_log o. Answer questions 3 - 5 after. BEFORE WATCHING: 1. What do you understand by the term masculinity? 2. How would you explain the difference between 'masculinity' and 'being a man'? AFTER WATCHING: 5. What makes a good role model? 6. Do you think aggression is a natural or taught aspect of being a man?
CONSIDERING POPULAR MUSIC AS WINDOW TO ERA ATTITUDES
1a. 1960S/70S ‘THIS IS A MAN’S WORLD BUT IT WOULDN’T BE ANYTHING WITHOUT A WOMAN OR A GIRL.’ USEFUL TERMS: traditional, conventional, archetypal, stereotypical, performance, social constructs, unconscious bias, expectation, dominance, positions of power, hierarchy, access to e.g. education, domestic sphere, public sphere, tenderness, affection, vulnerability, binary opposition, polarities, polemic, relative values 1. A song is clearly not a complete picture of a society’s attitudes, but popular acclaim often indicates a degree of public consensus with the content of the celebrated work. Listen to the James Brown track as you work through the following tasks, noting the things the singer states a man is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rq9OvaJyRc 2. Complete the table below. If ‘man’ carries out the action X, what aspect of everyday life is he related to? E.g. ‘Man makes the cars’ – engineering and commerce, travel efficiency and leisure. You will have to think broadly to complete some of the correspondences. TIP: not all correspondences will relate to work, some will be better phrased as societal roles, positions or attitudes. MAN makes the cars made the train to carry the heavy load
DOMAIN & IMPACT science/engineering and commerce, travel efficiency and leisure science/engineering and commerce, travel efficiency and leisure, freight/logistics
made the electrolight to take us out of the dark
thinks about a little bit of baby girls and of baby boys make them [children] happy 'cause man make them toys man makes money to buy from other man
3. Brown sings about the importance of ‘a woman or a girl’ to ‘man’, but doesn’t mention what this importance is. What importance/s do you think he is suggesting? 4. The absent discussion of the activity of women and girls has the potential effect of making women and girls seem passive. Cultural theorist Hélène Cixous identifies the following binary oppositions: male – female, self – other, subject – object, active – passive as an underlying unconscious bias that can characterise our relationship with the world. Do you think the ‘important’ behaviours/activities you identified in response to question 3 are passive? Give reasons for your answer. What might make it less likely for women to participate in the domains that ‘man does’?
‘BUT TAKE YOUR TIME, THINK A LOT THINK OF EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT FOR YOU WILL STILL BE HERE TOMORROW BUT YOUR DREAMS MAY NOT’
‘YOU'RE STILL YOUNG, THAT'S YOUR FAULT THERE'S SO MUCH YOU HAVE TO KNOW IT'S ALWAYS BEEN THE SAME, SAME OLD STORY FROM THE MOMENT I COULD TALK I WAS ORDERED TO LISTEN’
1. Listen to the Cat Stevens track and then complete the reflection tasks. The singer reflects on father-son relationships. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6zaCV4niKk 2. What expectations are placed upon adult men? Do they have any specific social responsibilities? 3. What expectations are placed upon young men? Do they have any specific social responsibilities? 4. What expectations are placed upon fathers? Is this different to the expectations placed on the broader parent/guardian role? 5. Stevens sings about contradictions: ‘take your time, think a lot’, ‘I was ordered to listen’, ‘All the times that I've cried / Keeping all the things I knew inside / It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it / If they were right I'd agree / But it's them they know, not me. What problems are created by fixed social roles and expectations?
CONTEXT The decade of the 1960s was a period of significant social change. It was known as 'the Swinging Sixties'. It was a time when social laws were liberalised, for example in relation to divorce, birth control and to abortion in England, Wales and Scotland. The position of women in the workplace also improved. It was quite common at the time for employers to ask women to leave their jobs when they got married, but Parliament passed new laws giving women the right to equal pay and made it illegal for employers to discriminate against women because of their gender. Gradually, society at large came to accept some of the basic goals of the Sixties activists: equal pay for equal work, an end to domestic violence, curtailment of severe limits on women in managerial jobs, an end to sexual harassment, and sharing of responsibility for housework and child rearing. In terms of racial equality, you will be aware that of the civil rights movement. This was a struggle for justice and equality for African Americans that took place mainly in the 1950s and 1960s. It was led by people like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, the Little Rock Nine and many others. 10 Key Cultural Changes in 1960s Britain | History Hit https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/civil-rights-movement The decade of the 1970s was in many ways a continuation of the late 1960s with respect to social trends. The activists of the 1960s crusaded for social justice in the 1970s, gaining new freedoms for women, indigenous and migrant peoples, homosexuals, the elderly, and other ethnic and minority groups. 1970s: Watergate and Women's Rights | HISTORY.com - HISTORY
INTERSECTIONALITY The interconnected nature of social categorisations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. In the images of civil rights protests concerning race and equality, compare the statement ‘I am’ to ‘I am a man’. Then consider the absence of women in the images.
Dredd Scott is a performance artist. Some 50 years after the other protests pictured here, there is an insistence that racial discrimination is still a barrier to self-actualisation. You might be interested in comparing 1950s/60s civil rights activism to contemporary BLM activism: https://www.ozy.com/true-and-stories/fromi-am-a-man-to-black-lives-matter/61443/.
CONSIDERING POPULAR MUSIC AS WINDOW TO ERA ATTITUDES
1b. 1980S/2010S – comparisons across a 37 year gap ‘HE’S GOT TO BE […] ENOUGH’ … ‘I DON’T DISCRIMINATE’ USEFUL TERMS: ways of seeing, pleasure in looking, objectification, male gaze, female gaze, different lenses of perception and attitude, conscious and subconscious body language, performance, body image, body work, identity, spectrum of identity 1.
2. 3.
Listen to the following tracks and complete the related reflection questions and tasks. Lizzo, 'Boys' (2018): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XplzAs0El2Y and Sinitta, 'So Macho' (1985): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7DqwRKqyMk. Summarise the singer’s attitudes and expectations in ‘So Macho’. Summarise the singer’s attitudes and expectations in ‘Boys’. What are the differences and similarities between their positions? Consider the two words banks in the table below. They present key nouns and descriptive terms and phrases from the two songs. Repetitions have been left in as they create emphasis of certain ideas. Create three concept groups for each song by grouping different combinations of words from each word bank. A concept is a theme or idea. Give each concept group you make a title. Giving the concept group a title helps to identify and examine the underlying themes if the songs. The ideas in the songs might seem obvious, can you make some subtle observations? See example below in the table. TIPS: Scan over the word banks to look for terms that complement each other or clash with each other. You can use each of the words in more than one group. Collapsed text of key nouns and descriptive terms from Sinitta’s ‘So Macho’
Collapsed text of key nouns and descriptive terms from Lizzo’s ‘Boys’
be able to satisfy, be able to satisfy, be able to satisfy, be able to satisfy; macho, macho, macho man, macho man, so macho, so macho, so macho, so macho; big big big big big big; big blue eyes big blue eyes, big blue eye, boy who thinks he’s a girl; dominate; experienced; guy; hunk; lead; love; man, man, man; protect, right, right, right; seven stone weakling; strong enough, strong enough, strong enough, strong enough, strong enough, strong enough; take care of my every need; turn me on, turn me on, turn me on, turn me on, turn me on, turn me on
baby baby ; boys boys boys boys boys boys boy boy boy boy boy boy boy boy boy boys boys boys boys boys boys boys boys boys boys boys boys; big beard; big boys; clean; coy; degrees; freak freak; Gameboy; gay boys; go and slay boys; inner city boys; itty bitty boys; knees; man; playboys; pretty boys; sheets; streets
Concept Group Examples 1. Fixed Expectations – [be able to satisfy x 4, strong enough x6, weakling, take care of my every need] – expectations grounded in physical strength and ability to take responsibilities for others 2. Diminutive Terms – [baby x2, boy/boys x 27, coy, freak, itty bitty] – reduces idea of men in various ways to allow the speaker a position of strength; terms are simultaneously accepting of range of types of men and reductive
CONTEXT Male gaze The male gaze refers to how the world – and women in particular – are looked at and presented from a cisgender, straight, frequently white male perspective. The songs in this section present forms of female gaze. In the 1980s, there was a tide change in reaction to the social liberation movements in the decades before. “During the 1980s, the urban left was repackaged as toxic. It was reviled by the press, demonised by Conservative government minsters, and denounced by Labour’s leadership. The phrase ‘loony left’ entered the English language to denote a deluded socialism that warranted only ridicule. Nothing more needed to be said, no additional arguments needed to be mustered: the ‘loony left’ stood for all that was absurd about an unhinged, zealous, politically correct strand of social radicalism. However, since the 1980s, the once derided policies of the urban left have gained increased support, and in some instances become part of the new consensus. This is especially true in relation to the urban left’s stand on homosexuality. It championed Gay Liberation and argued that gay relationships should be normalised – a deeply unpopular position during the AIDS moral panic. But a sea change of public attitudes took place in the subsequent period. Whereas 74% said that same-sex relationships were always or mostly wrong in 1987, only 16% took this view in 2016. In 1983, only 41% thought it was right for a homosexual to teach in a school, compared with 83% in 2012. Similarly, a bare majority (53%) in 1983 thought that it was acceptable for a homosexual ‘to hold a responsible position in public life’ whereas 90% was comfortable with this in 2012. Against this background of changing attitudes, gay marriage was legalised in 2013 – symbolically affirming the normality of gay relationships. Something similar happened in the case of gender relations. In the 1980s, the urban left were mocked for championing feminism, and ridiculed for seeking to ‘subvert’ traditional gender norms. But what seemed to some ridiculous in the 1980s appeared less so some 25 years later. Whereas in 1987 48% of the population agreed that ‘a man’s job is to earn money’ and ‘the woman’s job is to look after the home and family’, only 13% took this view in 2012. This reflected a generational shift. Younger people were much more inclined than the older generation to say that it was acceptable for women with young children to go out to work.”
Read the remainder of James Curran’s article by following the link below. There are also links to other sites that give broad information about the 1980s. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/ushistory2ay/chapter/culture-wars-of-the-1980s-2/ https://teamcheers1980s.weebly.com/values-andculture.html#:~:text=Values%20and%20Culture%20of%20the,came%20out%20of%20the%2080's
CONSIDERING POPULAR MUSIC AS WINDOW TO ERA ATTITUDES
1c. 2000S ‘WE NEED SOME MORE GIRLS IN HERE / THERE’S TOO MANY MAN’ USEFUL TERMS: public domain, dominance, posturing, oppression, machismo, homosociality, objectification, materialism, safe space, monoculture, pluralism 1. Listen to the following track and complete the related reflection questions. Skepta, 'Too Many Man' (2009): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zSAGBDdCfU 2. Where does the action of the song take place? What is the atmosphere and tone of the place depicted? Why do you think this is? 3. Summarise the singer’s attitudes and expectations in ‘Too Many Man’ using the following questions to guide you: (a) What are the various possible reasons for the statements ‘we need some more girls in here’ and ‘there’s too many man’? Go with the obvious and think more broadly too. (b) There are a number of materialistic statements in the song – ‘No sharp shoes, just Nike Airs in here’, ‘It's only 55 pound for a bottle but I don't wanna buy one / I'm looking for a girl but I can't find one’, ‘Can't believe I rented a room with a bed out’ – what is revealed by the spending and purchases here? 4. What types of people are absent from this setting? Refer back to your answers to question 2. If the crowd was more diverse, would the atmosphere change? Is it likely that a more diverse crowd would gather at the suggested venue? Give reasons for your answer.
CONTEXT Opinion on what it means to be a man in the 21st century: Why Changing Gender Roles Mean the 21st Century Is the Best Time to Be a Man | HuffPost UK (huffingtonpost.co.uk) ‘Is it not right to say we should be able to share bringing home the bacon and be able to cook a Sunday roast? How much less should we work in our workplace, and more at home? The crux of it is pressure, from society, our families, our children, our colleagues, our friends, and ultimately ourselves. We feel pressure to be the ideal Dad and spouse whilst surging ahead with our careers, trying our best to support our spouse in theirs and maintaining a relationship with our mates. The idea that I should be as good in the kitchen, as I am maintaining a relationship with my constituents, while at the same time trying to remain manicured and a devotee to male grooming products can be rather stressful. However, this is a challenge that I, and millions of other men are enjoying doing battle with. In a time where traditional gender roles are becoming more fluid, both men and women are feeling less restricted, where workloads are shared, and both sexes are respected, I can think of no better time to be a man.’ Individual determination of personal experience of gender: Gender identity in the twenty-first century - Hektoen International (hekint.org) ‘In the first decade of the 21st century there has been increasing focus on the term ‘identity’ to help us to understand who a person is. Physical, mental, or chemical identity can have an array of diverse meanings. Gender and sex are two very different concepts that influence identity, but are often confused as being interchangeable words. Sex is a biological classification, whereas gender is a social science concept with a “range of physical, mental, and behavioural characteristics distinguishing between masculinity and femininity.” Gender identity is a representation of “one’s personal experience of one’s own gender.” Individuals themselves determine their own unique gender identity.’
Early 21st century trends: What's Next - Top Trends in Society & culture (nowandnext.com)
CONSIDERING ADVERTISING & MEDIA TEXTS AS WINDOWS TO ERA ATTITUDES
2. SIX PACKS, SUCCESS & SOLITUDE Focus now moves to images of men in advertising and the media. Watch Six packs, success and solitude: men in the media | Modern Masculinity - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwkcUIcLgIE) and then complete the linked reflections. This video canvases the opinion of men in Bolton town centre and of pupils at Ladybridge School, Bolton. 1. In reference to the men featured on the front covers on the next page, who do you think is most successful? Who do you respect most? Give reasons for your answers. 2. Which types of heroism and/or leadership do you think are missing from this selection? You may wish to refer back to the cover images of the overview (discussion board post) to help you. 3. You recorded ideas about what makes a good role model in the first activity of the afternoon. Look back at what you wrote. Have you changed your mind at all? Do you have anything to add?
USEFUL TERMS: singularity, plurality, expectations, perceptions, complex, contradictory, commonalities, differences, hegemonic (ruling) traits, power, leadership, strength, dominance, vulnerability, tenderness, sensitivity, machismo, courage, role models, heroes
IF YOU’D LIKE TO EXPLORE FURTHER Modern Masculinity | Series 1: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa_1MA_DEorHnYu0HjO2pTwtulpJu2YAW&feature=share Modern Masculinity | Series 2: https://www.theguardian.com/gnm-press-office/2020/jan/23/the-guardian-launches-series-two-of-modernmasculinity-video-series Barbican 'Masculinities' exhibition: https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2020/event/masculinities-liberationthrough-photography The Spotify playlist that accompanies the exhibition: https://www.barbican.org.uk/read-watch-listen/listenmasculinities-playlist The latest school edition of CreativesNow: https://issuu.com/authorsnow/docs/cn-novdec_50083330 This edition includes articles from Y12 writers, staff and alumni, some of which cover matters of race, gender and class.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS Homosociality Typically non-romantic and/or non-sexual same-sex relationships and social groupings. Normativity The process by which some groups of people, forms of expression and types of behaviour are classified according to a perceived standard of what is ‘normal’, ‘natural’, desirable and permissible in society. Hegemonic Masculinity ‘Hegemonic’ means ‘ruling’ or ‘commanding’ – hegemonic masculinity, therefore, indicates male dominance and the forms of masculinity occupying and perpetuating this dominant position. Hierarchy Across many cultures throughout history, and continuing into the present moment throughout large parts of the world, gender functions as a hierarchy: some gender categories and gender expressions are granted higher value and more power than others. Men are often higher up the gender hierarchy than women, but the gender hierarchy is affected by racism, disablism, ageism, transphobia and other factors; in the West, men in their thirties are likely to be considered higher up the gender hierarchy than men in their eighties, for example. Gender roles Specific cultural roles defined by the weight of gendered ideas, restrictions and traditions. Men and women are often expected, sometimes forced, to occupy oppositional gender roles: aggressor versus victim, protector versus nurturer and so on. Many gender roles are specific to intersections of race, class, sexuality, religion and disabled status – examples of these types of gender roles can be seen in the stereotypes of the Jezebel or the Dragon Lady. Patriarchy Literally ‘the rule of the father’, a patriarchy is a society or structure centred around male dominance and in which women (and those of other genders) are not treated as or considered equal. Queer A slur, a term of reclamation and a specific and radical site of community and activism in solidarity with many kinds of difference, and specifically opposed to heteronormativity and cisnormativity. Queer studies and queer theory are important emerging fields of study. Gender identity Identity refers to what, who, and how someone or something is, both in the way this is understood as selfhood by an individual, and also the self as it is shaped and positioned by the world. Gender identity can be a surprisingly difficult term to pin down and is perhaps best understood as the stated truth of a person’s gender (or lack of gender), which is in itself the sum of many different factors. Me Too movement ‘#MeToo is a movement that was founded in 2006 to support survivors of sexual violence, in particular black and brown girls, who were in the program that we were running. It has grown since then to include supporting grown people, women, and men, and other survivors, as well as helping people to understand what community action looks like in the fight to end sexual violence’ – Tarana Burke, founder of the Me Too movement. Male gaze A term coined by film critic Laura Mulvey, the notion of the male gaze develops Jean-Paul Sartre’s concept of le regard (the gaze) to take into account the power differentials and gender stereotyping inherent in ways of looking within patriarchal, sexist culture. The male gaze refers to how the world – and women in particular – are looked at and presented from a cisgender, straight, frequently white male perspective. Objectification: The action of degrading someone to the status of a mere object. Binary Opposition: Binary opposition is the system of language and/or thought by which two theoretical opposites are strictly defined and set off against one another. It is the contrast between two mutually exclusive terms, such as on and off, up and down, left and right. Gender fluidity: Being gender fluid means living your life in a way that can fall into any area on the gender spectrum. A person who is gender fluid will typically request to be referred to by their preferred pronouns, such as she/her, he/him, they/them or zie or Mx. Generally, someone who is gender fluid will live their lives without emphasis upon gender norms. Polemic: A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something. Tender masculinity: Tender masculinity can mean being unafraid to be vulnerable, communicative, and emotional. It can mean being more conscious of the space you are holding and taking away from someone else.
Machismo: Strong or aggressive masculine pride. Monoculture: A condition or system in which one state, group, set of principles, source of authority, etc., predominates. Pluralism: A condition or system in which two or more states, groups, principles, sources of authority, etc., coexist. Safe space: The term safe space refers to places created for individuals who feel marginalised to come together to communicate regarding their experiences with marginalisation. The also term can also simply mean a space in which violence, harassment or hate speech are not tolerated.