The idea for this piece was primarily concerned with male aggression and the ‘cult’ of machismo. As the piece progressed however, I realized that it also encompassed perceptions of gender, and the roles males and females are sometimes still expected to fulfil within society. Aggression and anger seem to be increasing, but what does it achieve? Perhaps some men feel threatened by women’s increased independence and desire for more than the traditional roles they once inherited, and as a consequence of this, overcompensate by behaving more aggressively? The stereotypes of masculinity and femininity are still evident in all societies, not least our own.
The fierce denial by some men of any character trait that may be perceived as ‘unmanly’, or worse still effeminate, is still very prevalent. Read the rest of this entry »
