The Male

When I think of the rhetoric words that are used to describe a man; masculine, insensitive, hard working, tough, strong, aggressive, in-charge, and dominant all come to mind. In a heteronormative society men are not supposed to cry, be sensitive, or submissive. Men are supposed to be on top of their game all the time. They are supposed to know everything and always get the last say in a decision.
From my own relationships I have learned that most men try not to be in touch with their emotions. Men tend to make fun of other men that seem too sensitive. For instance last night I was talking to the guy I’m dating and he did a good job of portraying the heteronormative male. His roommate has a girlfriend that goes to a different university than he, so on his AIM away message it said “Everyday without you is one day closer to being with you”. His roommate’s behavior is not normal to how men are usually represented. However, the reaction of the guy I was talking to was, he made fun of his friend and said he was “soft”. The guy I’m dating has been brought up to be tough and to not discuss feelings. In conclusion, he feels extremely uncomfortable when he has to do so. How can he not though when all around him on TV, in magazines, and in movies men are portrayed as insensitive and selfish. Until society starts changing the heternormative view of the male the rhetoric will remain the same as it always has.