Male Representation

We live in a heteronormative society, where males are viewed to act or behave in a "normal" way. This "normal" view was developed a long time ago, and has stuck around. Even from a small child I, myself have been a witness to this. Males were always taught to be tough and strong. You can see this in almost any movie, the male is always portrayed as strong, muscular and saving the fragile women. My most recent encounter with the heteronormativity was while visiting my grandmother's a few weeks ago. My young cousin the age of 6 years, accidently got hit with a ball. He began to cry, most likely because it hurt, but my uncle immediately told him to stop crying and that "big boys" don't cry. I felt compelled to comfort him and tell him it was okay to cry, but I didn't want to step in between what his father was trying to teach him. I felt as if it wasn't my place, even though I am his cousin.