1.

Marlboro Man: Lily Greenwood

1. How does the composition of the photograph contribute to its effect? Why is the focus exclusively on
the face rather than a longer shot that would include the entire body?
I believe that this photograph is focused exclusively on the face rather than a longer shot including the
entire body because it puts an emphasis directly on the ranch foreman’s face which looks brave,
handsome, rugged, very masculine, and like the face of a hard worker. Also, by zooming in on his
face, you are able to see the wrinkles and tired marks under his eyes, which portrays him as a more
ordinary and normal man. This makes it seem like if you choose to smoke these cigarettes, you will be
able to look and maybe even be like this “tough” and “masculine” rancher. Additionally, by focusing the
picture onto the face, you are able to get a true close focused view of the cigarette, which would be
much harder to do on a more zoomed out photo. Other photographic elements that contribute to this
photo are the black and white colors, the large cowboy hat that places a shadow on his head, and
the blurred background behind him. All of these contribute to him seeming more manly.

2. What is the effect of the subject’s gaze not meeting with the eyes of the viewer?
By having the subject’s gaze not meeting with the eyes of the viewer, it makes him seem like more
of a pensive person that is in deep thought. It makes viewers want to know what he is looking at or
what he is thinking about, which greatly pulls people’s attention into the photo. If he was simply looking
straight at the camera, viewers would feel a greater connection to him and see him as more relatable,
but because he is looking away from the camera, viewers can see him as more of a person that they
want to become.

3. Life magazine assigned McCombe to do a story that dispelled the glamorous image of cowboys seen
in Hollywood movies of the period and, instead, documented the hard working life of ranchers. What
stereotypes about cowboys or the West does the photo exploit or combat?
Oftentimes, the life of a cowboy was portrayed as being adventurous and full of swashbuckling tales
and excitement. However, this picture makes it seem like the opposite. The rancher seems very
exhausted and worn, therefore making him much more relatable to many of the hard working
Americans at that time. Additionally, ranchers and cowboys often were seen as very fortunate and
wealthy people. However, the very warned and tattered bandana around his neck and the extremely
tired look under his eyes exploit this idea.

4. Why do you think that this photo caught the eye of legendary advertising executive Leo Burnett as a
good choice for his campaign to transform the image of Marlboro cigarettes?
I think that this photo would’ve caught the attention of advertising executives because it seems to
epitomize so many of the dreams of men to be independent and appear as “macho” men. Ranchers
were often seen as tough men who represented so many of the strong people in America, so by
seeing this photo that portrayed this kind of tough but also regular and relatable man, I believe that
Leo Burnett thought that it would attract a big crowd of men, which it indeed did do.

2. ​Being a Man by Paul Theroux: Michael Chen

​Questions
1. Much of this essay consists of negative descriptions of what it means to Paul Theroux to be
masculine or a man. Why does he offer such strong images and assertions?
- Theroux’s main claim seems to be that the way ‘society’ thinks a man should act or what
they should be is destructive to men, and because this standard causes men to be this
way, being a man is bad. Furthermore, his images and assertions are so strong as to
 prove his point that society’s man is both destructive to society and to himself. If the
images and assertions were not strong then this would take power out of his point.
- ?
2. Do you agree or disagree with Theroux when he writes, “It is very hard to imagine any concept
of manliness that does not belittle women, and it begins very early” (para. 5)? Explain.
- According to the rest of the description about men, I agree with it. In general, I disagree
with this point out of principle that it claims the absence of something. According to
Theroux, being a man includes such traits as excluding women and also being ambitious
and selfish and immoral. Thus, the very nature of manliness dictates that it belittles
women because women are not men?
-
3. How does Theroux prepare his readers for the turn the essay takes in paragraph 12 when he
says, “There would be no point in saying any of this if it were not generally accepted that to be a
man is somehow — even now in feminist influenced America — a privilege”? What does this
statement reveal about Theroux’s overall purpose in this piece?
- He prepares readers through the entirety of the rest of the essay, which focuses on how
society’s idea of manliness is destructive to men and bad for society. He gives examples
and stories and reasoning for this central piece of evidence, and his turn is a claim that
stems directly from this evidence - it seems that his overall purpose is to say that society
asserts that being a man is a good thing, when in fact it is not and further that people
should try to destroy the image of manliness.
- He says that feminism has helped men more than women because it has revealed their
position as being bad, when before people thought it was good.
- His central position is that through all of these reasons being a man by current society is
just a bad thing, and it has caused both men to be bad and it has also been bad for
women.
4. Theroux’s essay was written in 1983. Which of his points are outdated? Which ones do you
think remain true today?
- I think that a lot of the general points about manliness, e.g. that it belittles women and is
often anti-intellectual and breeds immorality and relies on insecurity is true, however
some of his specific examples seem to be a bit outdated because things have changed.
For example, he talks about high school sports as being this horrible thing where men are
competitive and hate each other which I think is not true, and he also talks about how all
men hate art. Perhaps this is one of the main points that can be said to have changed,
since I think there is a growing thing which is less that, but really the same. Books and
music. And fashion.

3. The Myth of Male Decline: Braxton Caldwell

1.Stephanie Coontz begins by addressing a counterargument. What is that counterargument,

and how does she address it?
● The counterargument that she addresses in the beginning of her article is that of
the decline of the male gender. She cites the subtitles of many recent books and
 how they describe the decline of the male gender and how females are ascending
to the superior gender. She combats this by citing the wage gap and the small
percentage of women who are in the more powerful jobs.
2. How does Coontz define the term “ patriarchal dividend’” (para. 3)? To what extent
do you agree that there is such a benefit?
● She defines it as “a lifelong affirmative-action program for men.” I absolutely agree
that males have this benefit. Males are stereotypically considered to be the more
powerful gender and get many job opportunities that women struggle to get. This
extends to the wage gap as well as the positions of power that are often
male-dominated. The numbers tell a very clear story that supports the idea of the
patriarchal divide.

3. What evidence does Coontz provide to support her contention that “[M]ost men are in
fact behaving better than ever” (para. 7)?
● She cites the decreases in domestic violence and rape and states the number of
husbands who engage in house work in child care. She compares these numbers
and shows drastic changes since 1993.
4. What does Coontz mean by her claim that the real problem is men’s “overinvestment in their
gender identity” (para. 9)? Is it the same as “the masculine mystique” (para. 11)? Explain.
● The idea of a masculine mystique absolutely backs the idea of the investment
males have in their gender identities. From a young age, the idea of a perfect
male is a strong buff man who doesn't need help from others and doesn't feel any
emotion. Similar to the stereotypical roles that women are typically placed in,
these roles are hard to break from as those who don’t meet these are often
considered weak and can even lose out on job opportunities and be frowned on
by their peers.
5. How effectively does Coontz support her claim that the “masculine mystique is
institutionalized in work structures” (para. 13)?
● She supports her claim very effectively as she cites a study stating that men who
take a role in child care are more likely to be harassed in the workplace. Male
stereotypes are absolutely a thing and they are common all over. In the workplace
and around their peers, males feel the need to act more “masuculine” and “tough”
as it is what is expected of them.
6. To what extent do you agree with Coontz’s assertion that “the ascent of women does not
portend the end of men’ and instead “offers a new beginning for both” (para. 14)?
Explain, using examples from your own experience and knowledge.
● I absolutely believe in a world where both men and women are able to be in power
and embrace who they are and gain equal opportunities. In schools, the gender
divide is becoming less visible and I don't see myself or other males on another
level than women. It is possible for women to gain more power and opportunities
without diminishing that of men and I believe that this is necessary for a healthy
society.
4. Toxic masculinity is killing men: The roots of male trauma- Ben Bethers
a. What does Kali Holloway mean by what she calls the “social constructions of
masculinity” (para. 1)?
When Holloway says this, she means the stereotypical expectations of males
being buff, unemotional, and manly.
b. Holloway enumerates a list of medical problems to which these expectations of
masculinity contribute, but she also asserts that they can cause “a sort of spiritual
death” (para. 2). What does she mean?
In saying this, Holloway means that when men are continually expected to be man
enough in every way, physically and emotionally, they can experience conflict with
their desired self, leading to a spiritual death.
c. In paragraphs 3-5, Holloway recounts ways that parents, often unintentionally,
support and enforce socially constructed gender roles for male children from a
young age. What are two of the most pernicious of these roles? From your own
observation or experience, how pervasive is this “emotionally shortchanging” of
boys, as Holloway calls it?
Holloway says that all boys are expected to be tougher and are thought to be
bigger and stronger. To me, the stance that boys are being “Emotionally short
changed” is not very convincing to me. I think that this is just a very opinionated
stance that the author does not offer enough evidence to support. Most of the
evidence and commentary she presents for this claim is experience based and
anecdotal. Furthermore, she assumes that all parents do this, saying mothers and
fathers in general emotionally short change boys. In my experience I have not
been emotionally short changed so I cannot relate.
d. To what extent do you agree with Holloway’s analysis of “media-perpetuated
constructions of masculinity” (para. 9)? Use examples from today’s media (e.g.,
television, film, video games, celebrity lifestyles) to support your viewpoint.
Here is my take on the author’s stance about “media-perpetuated constructions of
masculinity”, I think that she does have a point bringing up that men are expected
to be muscular and tough, but I again think that there is a lack of evidence and I
think that she does not back up her claim or establish herself to be a credible
source because she herself is a woman. I happen to agree with her stance in this
area and would have used examples like Hulk, Captain America, Thanos,
Batman, and may other male superheroes being chiselled while female
superheroes like Wonder Woman and Black Widow are given a role that focuses
mainly on aesthetics and costume design rather than making the women
muscular.
e. In her discussion of behaviors and attitudes that are “taught,” Holloway corrects
herself after referring to the disconnection of boys from their feminine selves with
the caveat, “or more accurately, ‘human...’” (para. 13). Do you think that this
clarification ultimately undermines – or strengthens – Holloway’s case that the
expectations of “being a man” are “poisonous and potentially destructive” (para.
2).
I think it is very clear that this “Correction” was very intended, if it was a true
correction she could have taken out of the text easily. This being said, it is clear
 that the only reason she left it in the text was because it would serve to strengthen
her claim. She knew that in making this “Correction” she was making the toxic
masculinity more severe, implying that rather than masculinity only meaning a
disconnect from a man’s feminine side, but separation from human emotion all
together.
f. In paragraph 18, Holloway asserts: “We have to get past our very ideas about
what being a man is. We have to start seeing men as innately so.” How do you
interpret this claim?
I think that this claim is quite simple, Holloway is simply pushing for a reform
where the social expectations for men should be deconstructed and men should
be allowed to keep in touch with their “human” or “feminine” side and emotions.
5. Roberto A. Ferdman
1. What is the purpose of Roberto A. Ferdman’s opening anecdote about that emergency room?
How effective is it in illustrating a central point of the article?
Ferdman opens the article with this story because he shows by his own personal experience how harmful
masculinity could be. He kept his pain level below a 6 when he was talking to the doctor, probably so that he
Looked strong and masculine in the doctor’s eyes, so that he wouldn’t be seen as weak. This is very
Effective in illustrating the central point of the article, because it gives the readers an example of what
Masculinity can look like, and then leads to their research of masculinity.

2. What does the study published in the Journal of health Psychology demonstrate, according
to Ferdman, about the way self-perceptions of masculinity affect decisions about health care?
To what extent do the findings match with your own experience or that of men and boys you know?

3. What were the findings in the second study, published in the Journal Preventive Medicine,
about men’s behavior when seeing male versus female doctors? Be sure to discuss
the graph included with Ferdman’s article in your response.

4. What is the definition of “masculinity” that the researchers used? What is meant by such terms
As “masculine ideologies” (para. 17) or “masculine men” (para. 12)?

5. The article ends with a warning not to put “too much weight on machismo” (para. 25) from
“a doctor who has worked as a generalist in Massachusetts for more than 30 years” (para. 23).
How strong do you find this challenge to the research being reported?

6. The Hard- Adrenaline soaked truth

In paragraphs 3 and 4, Frank Miniter provides two definitions of “toxic masculinity.” Which
of these do you
think is more accurate? How would you define the term? I like the first one more,
although it uses sarcasm, it provides examples. With a definition as abstract narrow and
repressive description of manhood, designating manhood as defined by violence, sex,
status and aggression” solide examples that apply to daily life can help with most people.
The first definition applies the definition whereas the second is stale and harder to
understand. The second definition is probably more accurate though.
2. Miniter claims that, basically, “manliness” has been defined as a “psychological
disorder” (para. 5) that
 promotes violent, destructive behavior. What evidence does he present to support this
claim?

3. Miniter’s target in this article is the academic world, particularly colleges. What is his
basic criticism of programs such as the three he discusses? How do they “emasculate”
(para. 14) young men? How valid to you find his objections?
He critizes programs by saying that they are A) funded by women (who are often the
victims of male violence) B) They emasculate men by making them look at their own
masculinity (he never says what specifically they do in these programs. He says they are
bad because he assumes (he never cites anything except their titles) that they are calling
masculinity toxic.

4. What is Miniter’s definition of a “gentleman”? What associations do you have with this
word?
His own definition is to be the best version of oneself but my own connotation is a
man who takes care of women. I think of chivalry and actually that a very big criticism
about masculinity because chivalry is another expression of control really. Hes giving a
separate definition of a word to the one most people know which certainly hints at
something.

5. In paragraph 16, Miniter describes the running of the bulls in Spain. How does this
example serve as
evidence for the case he is making? He says that men have to get hurt to become
stronger but also why is that exclusive to men?

6. What constitutes “growing experiences” (para. 17), according to Miniter?

A growing experience is anything that teaches a person to be resolved, such as working
in a soup kitchen or violence.

7. What questions might you raise in response to Miniter’s argument

What does this have to do with men?
Traditionally the position of men have hurt women, why don´t you acknowledge that?
Why do you annoy me?

7. The Man Trap- Emily Bobrow: Kaleolani Kirby

1. Although Emily Bobrow offers some statistical evidence of wage earnings and hours
spent at work, she mainly focuses on societal attitudes. Specifically, what are three
societal issues that she believes are contributing to men’s frustration and discontent?
One societal issues Bobrow believes is contributing to men’s frustration and
disconect is the pressure men feel to make more than their spouses and conform
to the role of “the provider” as the father of the family. In the article the author
explains that even within couples who met at highly prestigious and rigorous
schools such as Harvard, who are equally capable, the man feels pressure to
 make more money than the woman. Even if couples never discuss this, there is
an unspoken expectation of men to make more money than women within families
and marriages. There is the subconscious expectation that the man will provide
and take care of his wife and children gi
2. Why do you think traditional gender expectations become more pervasive when people
become parents? What does Bobrow mean by “that daddy track” (para. 8)? What do you
think might change this attitude or behavior?
I think traditional gender expectation become more pervasive when people
become parents becuse there is the sudden pressure of providing for children.
Parents want to offer their children the best opportunities and experiences
possible but this comes at a cost of personal sacrifices being made of behalf of
both parents. Lack of ability to provide and succeed results in lack of opportunities
and resources needed for the children to not only survive but to grow and develop.
When an individual is only providing for themselves, there is much less pressure.
The term “that daddy track” could refer to the stereotypical role and life of a father
which includes working a stable job and providing for the family. This “daddy track”
the author refers to relates to the social pressures men feel to conform to the role
of the “provider” as the father of the family.

3. Paragraph 4 discusses the impact that having children has on earnings for both men and
women and on the relationships between work expectations and “a more gendered
division of labour at home.” What are the cause and effect relationships at work here?
4. In what ways does Bobrow point out that institutional changesor policies have outpaced
or are in conflict with gendered expectations, both interms of the way people see
themselves and the way others see them? Pay particular attention to paragraph 9 (“His
colleagues are right to be cautious”).
5. To what extent are the issues that are the focus of this article the exclusive realm of highly
educated professionals? In what ways might the same issues apply to men who work in
blue collar professions?
Although the central ideas of the article are more recognizable as prevalent in the
realm of highly educated professionsals, they still apply to men who work in blue
collar professions. Having a rigid work schedule with little flexibility for time off or
things such as paternity leave can be just as expected of men who work in blue
collar professions. Because these professions rely more heavily on manual labor,
consistency in this profession could be considered even more stressed on men.
Because of the nature of this category of jobs, the need for men to work long
hours is often expected. In addition, because many of these jobs are
accompanied with a lower salary, in order to support and provide for an entire
family, men have no other option rather than to work longer hours.
 8. Talking to Boys the Way We Talk to Girls - Connor Walton

1. What, according to Andrew Reiner, is “the defining soundtrack to masculine identity” (para. 2)?

The lyrics to songs about fathers praising their strength and coolness.

2. In paragraph 4, Reiner reports on several studies of how parents interact verbally with their infants and

young children. What conclusions do you draw from this research?

The studies were showing that parents talk to their girls more frequently, with more emotion, and about

more emotional topics. When parents talk to their sons they use achievement based words like win and

proud.

3. Reiner reports on a research study at Emory University that concludes that “discrepancies in fathers’

language may contribute to ‘the consistent findings that girls outperform boys in school achievement

outcomes” (para. 5). What other variables would you want to consider before making a definitive statement

on the relationship between fathers’ language and children’s school performance?

The biggest question not included would be what standards and expectations are on the children. Are they

girls held to a higher standard? A lower standard?

4. In his article, Reiner places a number of words in quotation marks – not because he is quoting someone

else but to indicate a meaning other than the most expected one: e.g., “analytical” (para. 5), “directives,”

and explanations” (para. 6). What do you think he means by each of these terms?

He means there is other uses for these words and the way that he is using them here is different than you

would expect.

5. In paragraph 7, Reiner comments on why boys tend not to like the literature studied in their English

classes. To what extent do you agree with his analysis, based on your own experience?

I would completely agree with this statement based on my own experience. The literature studied in the

English classes are usually topics and books of low action and more thinking. This is viewed as a

weakness for men to read, especially these books.

6. What evidence does Reiner offer to support his statement that men are “born more emotionally sensitive

than girls” (para. 10)?

He says that mothers watch over their sons more diligently than they do with their daughters.
7. Reiner concludes by offering suggestions for changing what he calls the tendency to “limit the emotional

vocabulary of boys” (para. 14). Would you characterize these suggestions as solid, oversimplified, or

something else?

I would characterize these suggestions as oversimplified because we're not only trying to