What is the main thesis of this film?

The main thesis of Tough Guise is taking an in depth look at what masculinity was in the 1950’s to the 2000’s. It looks at how the media shapes the concepts and perceptions it is giving to guys. The media has changed the image of the hero from needing little guns to be intimidating to needing a massive machine gun along with massive muscles to be intimidating.  It also takes a look at why men are more violent than women are and how the media has prompted it.

 What were the main arguments in support of the thesis?

The argument that supported the thesis is when the young men were asked what they consider to be a real man. They gave definitions such as strong, powerful, independent, and so on. The men were also asked what they would call those men who weren’t considered strong, powerful, and independent. They gave a lot of different names such as wuss, wimp, and others even more offensive. This is what the media is teaching out youth.

 How does the thesis of this film relate to the course?

This film relates to the course because we have been discussing deviant behavior. In the article “What Triggers School Shootings?” by Kimmel and Mahler, it covers high school students who bully because of their homophobia. This chapter states that men commit the most violence. The film discusses how men need to act a certain way based on what is portrayed in the media.

 Which arguments/points did you find the most convincing?

The main argument that I found most convincing is that the stereotype of the male figure known as G.I. Joe has changed so dramatically throughout the 1950’s to the 2000’s. In the 1950’s the G.I. Joe was what society now considers scrawny. However, back then it was considered very masculine. Today, the typical G.I Joe has much bigger muscles and is also armed with massive guns. This doesn’t seem like the image we should be promoting to our youth.

Choose one argument, point or question that most stands out for you. How would you study this point? Briefly design a research study around that point.

I would study young boys throughout their childhood. I would begin with very young boys who have not yet had the influence of the media and ask them what they think a real man looks like. Then I would ask 18 year olds what they think is a real man is.  I believe the results would be very different.