1. Vuong, Ocean. Reimagining Masculinity. 2019.
1.1. In attempts to present the societal expectation on masculinity and the expectations placed upon males, Vuong (1) states, "I was never comfortable being male—being he—because all my life being a man was inextricable from hegemonic masculinity."
1.1.1. The authors express discomfort with how society views gender identity as male. In males, masculinity is associated with dominance and oppressive behavior that many refer to as hegemonic masculinity. The author believes that the societal expectation and norms attached to masculinity are intertwined with harmful behavior, and he opts to distance himself from these norms and find an alternative way to express his gender identity.
1.2. In an expression that the male hides their emotions, Vuong (1) states, "You're good at hiding," he said to my foot, and though he meant at manhunt, he might as well have been talking about manhood.
1.2.1. The quote above suggests that the author is commending one's ability to conceal themselves both in the context of masculinity and the children's game of manhunt. The author indicates that the ability to hind is related to one's understanding of what it means to be a man and that men have to struggle in private with their emotional feeling and inadequacies as is expected of masculinity. The quote proves that men have societal pressure to conform to the certain image of masculinity that society has created. They are forced to mask their true selves to meet these expectations.
1.3. In expressing the struggle for the male, Vuong (2) quotes that "And I am here for the very reasons why I feel, on bad days, I should leave it altogether: that I don't recognize myself within its dominant ranks—but I believe it can grow to hold me better."
1.3.1. The quote above shows that the author struggles with feelings that he believes he does not conform to but feels pushed to mask his true self and present the image that society expects. He hopes that societal expectations and pressure on masculinity will soon end and that they will evolve and accommodate everyone.
1.4. What do you want your audience to take away ?
1.4.1. The authors express the pressure males have to undergo to fit into the image of masculinity that society has painted. It is, however, demanding both physically and mentally. Society must evolve and allow a man to feel like a "human." We should learn to treat each gender equality and prevent the expectation of gender indent from overtaking our humanity.
2. Davis, Angela. Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement. Haymarket Books, 2016.
2.1. To showcase the dominance of masculinity, the author indicates that "…the way black women's representation and their involvement in revolutionary struggle militates against prevailing ideological assumption about women" Davis(93).
2.1.1. The author argues that traditional gender roles and expectations are not universally applicable and that women can be as powerful and influential as men to create meaningful social change, highlighting how black women have been instrumental in various forms of resistance and activism. The author shows that the predominance of masculinity in society is not a natural or inevitable phenomenon but rather a created and debated idea that can be questioned and subverted by focusing on the strength and resilience of black women.
2.2. Davis (98) identifies the complexity of gender identity by stating,"…the more closely we examine it, the more we discover that it is embedded in a range of social, political, cultural and ideological formation."
2.2.1. The quote highlights that masculinity is not a fixed idea but evolves in response to shifting cultural, political, and ideological currents. Masculinity results from a complex interaction between several factors, not genetics or personality. Culture, socialization, media portrayals, and power dynamics are all factors that affect this. Therefore, masculinity must be studied concerning its larger social and historical context.
2.3. In expressing dissatisfaction and pain, Davis (91) questions, "…was it necessary to put woman's face on terrorism, especially in the aftermath of the tragic bombing of the Boston marathon?"
2.3.1. The quote raises questions about the social construction of masculinity and the prejudices it perpetuates. Terrorism's association with femininity reinforces the stereotype that women are passive victims while males are the active aggressors. This story reinforces detrimental gender stereotypes that stifle the potential of both men and women while diminishing the gravity of the crime. As a result, we need to rethink the vocabulary and narrative we use to explain violent behaviors so we do not perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes.
2.4. What do you want your audience to take away?
2.4.1. The book delves into how traditional norms of masculinity are used to justify inequality. It challenges readers to examine gender norms critically and strive toward a more equitable society by examining how masculinity overlaps with other types of oppression. The author teaches us the need to challenge established gender norms to achieve social justice and the intricacies of masculinity in connection to various types of oppression.
3. Rich, Adrienne. "Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence." 1980.
3.1. In emphasizing male dominance, Rich (643) states that "… the male need to control women sexually results from some primal male "fear of women" and women's sexual insatiability."
3.1.1. The quote highlights that male dominance originates in a fundamental apprehension of women's perceived sexual persuasiveness. The concern is profoundly rooted in the male psyche, prompting them to strive for dominance over women, particularly in intimate relationships. The historical submission of women can be attributed not only to the male quest for power but also to an unconscious fear of being subjugated by women.
3.2. In expressing why lesbianism prevails, Rich (637) "…assumes that women who have chosen women have done so simply because men are oppressive and emotionally unavailable…."
3.2.1. This quote regarding the prevalence of lesbianism is predicated on the supposition that women who engage in same-sex relationships do so in reaction to men's oppressive and emotionally unresponsive tendencies. This belief underscores the notion of masculinity as a prevailing and repressive influence within the societal framework, thereby potentially imposing emotional constraints on women.
3.3. In indicating the suppression of women, he quotes, "Maternal affection is used to establish male right of sexual access…."Rich (647)
3.3.1. The above quote posits that conventional societal standards of masculinity frequently hinge on regulating and possessing the female anatomy. Within this framework, the manifestation of maternal affection, encompassing the nurturing and emotional support provided by mothers, bolsters the notion that males possess an entitlement to engage in sexual activity with females. This concept is sustained by the belief that women's main purpose is to cater to men's wants and requirements and that men possess the right to utilize women's bodies to establish authority and manliness.
3.4. What do you want your audience to take away?
3.4.1. The establishment of compulsory heterosexuality plays a significant role in maintaining stereotypical gender roles and societal norms. To be more specific, being domineering, competitive, and emotionally disconnected are all seen as traits that help males demonstrate their masculinity. These norms are not inherently true but are instead the result of social construction and the reinforcement of heteronormativity. We can better understand the need to recognize and challenge such social constructs to foster a more fair and equitable society.