- What is Jackson Katz’s perspective on Masculinity?
Jackson Katz’s perspective on masculinity is that masculinity is learned, and given. Jackson argues that men are not naturally violent, but they learn the act of violence from their families, communities and the powerful media system that provide a steady stream of images that describe masculinity as connected with power, control and dominance (Jhally, Ericsson & Talreja, 1999).
- Is masculinity about individual choice or cultural tendencies and how is that the case?
Based on the content of the video by Jackson, masculinity is about cultural tendencies. This is the case since the push to adapt to cultural principles of violent masculinity is influenced by racial, ethnic, and class lines rather than individual choice. For instance, the media tend to portray the Latino men either as boxers, or criminals while the Asian American men are inappropriately portrayed as martial artists or violent criminals. Therefore, Latino men and Asian men would adore crime as a cultural norm rather than individual choice.
- Name one example of a public figure not mentioned in the movie that represents the tough guise and another example that defies the tough guise image. Is each of the figures respected, why or why not?
In my opinion, one public figure that represents the tough guise is an artist by the Lil Wayne who was convicted of criminal possession of weapons. The former president Barack Obama defies the tough guise image. Because of the criminal record, Lil Wayne has lost much of the respect that he used to enjoy. However, for former President Obama, he is widely respected for his service as a president.
Iron Jawed Angels
- Do you think these women went too far to get their demands across? Why or why not? Give examples from the movie to bolster your answer
The women did not go too far to express their demand. Actually, women did the right thing. This is because, before the women engaged in the suffrage movement, they did not have the right to vote or run for political office. This was not only demeaning but also denied them a fundamental right. Therefore, it was right for them to demand their rights (Carla, 2004)
- Would you have “gone against the grain” of the time and supported suffrage knowing the possible consequences? Why or why not?
Yes, despite the evident possible consequences, I would have still gone against the grain and supported the suffrage. This is because the course for the movement was just and called for. The movement was motivated by the desire to have women granted the right to vote and run for political office. The sacrifices that were made were worth the course as they secured the women right and dignity in the successive generations.
- Do you think the split (NASWA and NWP) between the movement helped or hindered the cause? Why or why not? Be specific.
The split (NASWA and NWP) between the movement hindered the cause. This was large because the two groups had different strategies of fighting which reduced their collective bargaining strength. First, while NAWSA sought to have women attain their rights through the state legislature, NWP opted to have women get their right through the federal government. Secondly, during the civil war, NASWA stop and supported the government while NWP continued with the protest and awareness creation.
- Given the video’s portrayal of the resentment of the suffrage movement, how do you feel about what 3rd wave feminism is trying to accomplish today?
The goal of 3rd wave feminism is to advocate for the reproductive rights of women. It seeks to have women have the freedom to make their choices regarding their bodies and access to birth control devices and the right the abortion. Given the video’s portrayal of the resentment of the suffrage movement, I think this initiative will have challenges, but with more persistence and commitment, the objective can still be achieved.