It is simply naïve to disregard the overwhelming influence that the media and literature has had over the public over the past century and more precisely, in our youth. As a society, we constantly twist ourselves to fit the mold presented to us through various media outlets (e.g. TV, movies, magazines, advertisements, etc.) and in literature we encounter in our lives for a multitude of reasons.
Throughout time, men have been presented to fit very traditionally masculine traits based on a preconceived narrative as to what it means to be a man and how to present oneself in order to be perceived as manly by others. Media and literature have branded a hyper-masculine image of men that has in time become what is expected for young boys to follow––be it relayed to them or not. Often times, whether in TV or movies, men are portrayed to be standoffish, selfish, incapable of conveying or even understanding their emotions, and are yet expected to be the …show more content…
This is especially apparent in American literature that often revolves around a male protagonist on a quest in nature that questions their physical capabilities and not much else. According to Moss,
American literature is exceptionally robust in its offerings of crucial examples of manhood and potent illustrations of masculine endeavor. Many of the most significant characters created by writers as diverse as Mark Twain and James Fenimore Cooper celebrate the individual freedom of male culture…the structure and the characters of the works are often entwined with nature. This is another common theme in American literature, the connection between rural and natural society and the ability of men to be free in nature. (Moss, 2012, p.
Throughout time, men have been presented to fit very traditionally masculine traits based on a preconceived narrative as to what it means to be a man and how to present oneself in order to be perceived as manly by others. Media and literature have branded a hyper-masculine image of men that has in time become what is expected for young boys to follow––be it relayed to them or not. Often times, whether in TV or movies, men are portrayed to be standoffish, selfish, incapable of conveying or even understanding their emotions, and are yet expected to be the …show more content…
This is especially apparent in American literature that often revolves around a male protagonist on a quest in nature that questions their physical capabilities and not much else. According to Moss,
American literature is exceptionally robust in its offerings of crucial examples of manhood and potent illustrations of masculine endeavor. Many of the most significant characters created by writers as diverse as Mark Twain and James Fenimore Cooper celebrate the individual freedom of male culture…the structure and the characters of the works are often entwined with nature. This is another common theme in American literature, the connection between rural and natural society and the ability of men to be free in nature. (Moss, 2012, p.