observed social expectations for males from American contem
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This solution reacts to observed social expectations for males from American contemporary life. In 1963, he enumerated a list of characteristics that seemed to typify the ideal male during that time. Keep in mind that Goffman was recording observations of this time and not stating a personal opinion. As you read these conclusions, consider if you still see these features as relevant and valued by American society. Goffman states, "In an important sense there is only one complete unblushing male in America: a young, married, white, urban, northern, heterosexual, Protestant, father, of college education, fully employed, of good complexion, weight, and height, and a recent record in sports . . . any man who fails to qualify in any one of these ways is likely to view himself during moments at least as unworthy, incomplete, and inferior."
Psychologist Mary Pipher argues America is poisoning girls with pressures to maintain difficult standards of beauty and behavior. Sociologist Erving Goffman She says, "Adolescence is when girls experience social pressure to put aside their authentic selves and to display only a small portion of their gifts."
First, do you see these definitions as accurate or inaccurate? Why or why not? What are some specific ways through which these perceptions are perpetuated? Provide some specific examples.
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Using media examples to validate, this solution explores instances of observed social expectations for males from American contemporary life.
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As you react first to Goffman's conclusions, I personally consider these features as still highly relevant and valued by American society as a whole. Shows like the Bachelor, Survivor, and Dancing with the Stars as well as Two and a Half Men, Desperate Housewives, and other popular culture instances, exemplify how the "unblushing male" image in America as "a young, married, white, urban, northern, heterosexual, Protestant, father, of college education, fully employed, of good complexion, weight, and height, and a recent record in sports" still resonates. How many black, gay, or Hispanic bachelors have made the show? When we think "All American male," the image of a Tom Brady sadly pervades more than J.R. Martinez, I feel.
If you need research to validate, experts also agree that these standards, as espoused by him, seem to create a "haves and have nots" division in society since "Every society has very widely held norms about identity or being that serve as a basis for 'grading' persons. Some identity norms are sustained routinely and on a widespread basis, such as sightedness and literacy while others, such as physical beauty, present ideals that few people can ever fully realize" (http://supporto.nextmedia.it:2011/Prodotti%20Nextmedia/Varie/Corsi_Nextmedia/KeyBooks/KS%20Goffman.pdf) as in his assertions.
Since he asserted that "any man who fails to qualify in any one of these ways is likely to view himself during moments at least as unworthy, incomplete, and inferior," I agree with his beliefs and definitions as more men are seeking gym memberships, hair ...
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