Erica Bialy
Ms. Cecilia C. Jackson
English 101—Essay 2
May 22, 2008
Power of Men and Women
The word manliness has changed over time and it had many opinions on what it shapes. “The Manliness of Men”, was written by Harvey Mansfield, a professor and the president of New England Political science. His writing focuses not only on Men, but women also. He breaks down different aspects that both male and female are looked at. Manliness can be separated into a few different parts such as dominance or strength, sensitivity, and also how women fit into this category. This essay fits into Chapter 5, because is relates to the biological differences of male and female, cultural myths, and how manliness is changed over time.
Men and women have biological differences. Biology is what determines whether you’re able to bear children or not. Appearance is one of these factors. However, the term Manliness doesn’t really name a sex. Men are viewed at as hard workers, or bread winners. Built tough and strong. They would do the jobs that require strength. Chapter Five is called “True Women and Real Men.” This short essay by Mansfield holds it spot in the chapter. It’s all on how you choose to look at it. Manliness can stand for other words such as “courage,” “frankness,” or “confidence,” would be words that Mansfield says would convey the good side of manliness. In the introduction to chapter five us says that sociologists distinguish between sex and gender- between one’s biological identity and the conventional patterns of behavior that we learn to associate with each sex. This selection agrees with the beginning introduction to the chapters.
Cultural myths shape the roles men and women play in our public and private relationships. The way we dress or act can play in the myth. In the introduction to chapter five it gives examples on the cultural differences in the world. Thailand men who dress or act like women are encouraged to be proud of that and participate in male...