Chicano Men and Masculinity
Zinn writes in “Chicano Men and Masculinity”,
We must understand that while maleness is highly valued in our society, it
interacts with other categorical distinctions in both manifestation and meaning.
As Stoll (1974:124) presents this idea, our society is structured to others (e.g.,
men over women) but the system is not perfectly rational……, so that “one can
never be sure this aspect of one’s self will not be called into dispute.(29)
We must understand that while maleness is highly valued in our society, it
interacts with other categorical distinctions in both manifestation and meaning.
As Stoll (1974:124) presents this idea, our society is structured to others (e.g.,
men over women) but the system is not perfectly rational……, so that “one can
never be sure this aspect of one’s self will not be called into dispute.(29)
From the quote, we know that comparing to Black men, Asian men, and Chicano men, the white men are viewed much more valuable than them. In other words, if you are a white man, you can be treated better than other. Furthermore, comparing to women, men also have advantages over women. However, when the masculinity relates with race, ethnicity, and other statuses, we may find that it will work differently. It may change the way we used to think about the masculinity. For example, as a Black man, he doesn’t have any advantages when he is a salve. Even though he has his masculinity, he can’t use it and enjoy it. Instead, he has to hide it in order to survive because their masters don’t allow them to show up his masculinity. Even worse, he lost his position in his family. Because of his salve status, he can’t bring his family anything. Instead, Black women are in charge of the family. They play important role in their family. Also, for some white women, if they have a good job and earn a lot of money, they may become the person who is in charge of their family and their husband has to listen to them. They play important role in the family. It means that they have more power over their husband. So, the race, class, and the status that you are in or different categories that you belong to, which all will affect your masculinity.
work cited:
Zinn, Maxine Baca."Chicano Men and Masculinity". Men`s Lives. 5th ed. Ed. Michael Kimmel and Michael Messner. New York: Allyn &Bacon. 2001. 24-32. Print.
work cited:
Zinn, Maxine Baca."Chicano Men and Masculinity". Men`s Lives. 5th ed. Ed. Michael Kimmel and Michael Messner. New York: Allyn &Bacon. 2001. 24-32. Print.
Good job with using the sandwich method to discuss a long/blog quote (formatted in MLA style). You are making an interesting claim about the masculine hierarchy in which race, class and ethnicity determine a man's status, but wouldn't an example involving Chicano men be more relevant here?
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