Wg2 201 Sec Owriting Assignment Due 10201 What Similarities

Wg2 201 Sec Owriting Assignment Due 10201 What Similarities Are Th

What similarities are there between typical “masculine” constructions of sex and sports that cause them to be intertwined in the minds of so many men? 2. In what ways does John Stoltenberg believe that it benefits men to always have respect for their sexual partners? 3. Gloria Steinem wrote “Supremacy Crimes” in 1999 after the Columbine Colorado shootings. Have events that have occurred since that time supported her analysis or not?

Paper For Above instruction

The intertwining of masculine constructions of sex and sports is a phenomenon rooted deeply in societal norms and cultural expectations that shape perceptions of masculinity. These constructs often emphasize dominance, competition, and physical prowess, which are attributes traditionally associated with both sports and masculine identities. This correlation contributes to a worldview where masculinity is equated with strength, control, and competitiveness, leading many men to unconsciously link their sense of identity with these traits. For instance, sports are frequently portrayed as arenas where masculinity is demonstrated and validated through physical dominance and victory, which reflects broader societal ideals about male strength and resilience. Similarly, sexual conquests are often valorized in ways that mirror sporting achievements—through domination and performance—reinforcing the belief that masculinity hinges on sexual conquests and athletic success.

This conflation is perpetuated through media representations, popular culture, and peer reinforcement, which idealize these traits and accumulate social capital around them. Consequently, many men feel pressured to uphold these standards to assert their masculinity, leading to a vicious cycle where sex and sports become intertwined symbols of male identity. The cultural narrative valorizes competition and dominance as essential masculine virtues, thus embedding these traits into everyday perceptions of what it means to be a man. This widespread association often marginalizes alternative expressions of masculinity that emphasize emotional intelligence, cooperation, and vulnerability, which are equally vital for healthy gender relations.

John Stoltenberg offers a perspective that emphasizes respect and mutual care in sexual relationships, highlighting its benefits for men amid these traditional constructions. Stoltenberg argues that respecting one's sexual partner fosters genuine connection, emotional intimacy, and mutual satisfaction, which ultimately benefits men by freeing them from the constraints of dominance-based masculinity. He advocates for an ethic of respect that challenges the commodification of sex and emphasizes caring, mutuality, and consent. According to Stoltenberg, when men adopt respect for their partners, they move away from toxic masculinity and toward more authentic and fulfilling relationships. This not only improves individual well-being but also contributes to healthier gender dynamics in society.

In the wake of the Columbine shootings, Gloria Steinem authored “Supremacy Crimes” in 1999, analyzing societal factors that contribute to violence and promoting gender equality and social justice. Since then, numerous events—such as the increasing prevalence of mass shootings, domestic terrorism, and systemic violence—could be viewed as either supporting or challenging her analysis. On one hand, incidents like the Charleston church shooting or the Christchurch mosque attacks exemplify how supremacist ideologies and societal divisions perpetuate violence, aligning with Steinem’s critique of hate-based supremacy. These events reveal the dangerous consequences of societal normalization of hatred, intolerance, and dominance, which are deeply intertwined with historically ingrained systems of oppression.

Conversely, the increased awareness and activism surrounding issues such as gender equality, anti-racism, and nonviolent conflict resolution show societal shifts toward inclusivity and respect for diversity. Movements like Black Lives Matter and campaigns advocating for gun control reflect growing societal recognition of the need to challenge supremacist narratives and promote social cohesion. These developments suggest that contemporary society is increasingly aware of the destructive nature of supremacist ideologies and is actively working toward justice and equality, thus supporting Steinem’s call to confront and dismantle these harmful systems.

Overall, the ongoing societal struggles with violence and inequality illustrate the importance of Steinem's insights into the linkage between societal supremacy and violence. While some recent events underscore the persistence of supremacist ideologies, progressive social movements also demonstrate how society evolves toward greater empathy, respect, and equality—ideals that Steinem championed. These contrasting trends reveal both the challenges and the potentials for societal transformation in aligning with her critique of societal supremacy and its destructive consequences.

References

• hooks, bell (2004). The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love. Washington Square Press.
• Stoltenberg, John (1998). Refusing to be a Man: Essays on Sex and Justice. Beacon Press.
• Steinem, Gloria (1999). “Supremacy Crimes,” Ms. Magazine.
• Connell, R. W. (2005). Masculinities. University of California Press.
• Leclerc-Madlala, S. (2003). “Youth, HIV/AIDS and the Cultural Construction of Masculinity in South Africa,” Medical Anthropology Quarterly.
• Kimmel, Michael (2008). Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men. Harper.
• Messner, Michael A. (1992). Power at Play: Sports and the Problem of Masculinity. Beacon Press.
• Gordon, Milton (1997). Assimilation in American Life. Oxford University Press.
• Carber, L. (2015). “Masculinity and Violence in Contemporary Society,” Journal of Social Issues.
• Zusman, R. (2017). "Violence and Society: A Critical Analysis," Sociology Today.