a musical consumption: Thematic Collection: Crisis of Masculinity

The Crisis of Masculinity has been a major theme surrounding our discussions of males in rock n' roll. Since women have gained more power in the last century and can provide for themselves, protect themselves, even procreate with out a man in their life, the traditional concept of a male's role has been made obsolete. They are no longer the only head of the household or breadwinner. This is the crisis of masculinity. Men are trying to figure out what role they play, and how their masculinity can be defined if provider, protector, and procreator is no longer needed.
Because of this crisis, men are trying to form and shape their identity. This creates the culture of identities always being "in flux." We saw this in Springsteen's rebellion against fathers in order to become their "own man." We see this in lad mags where men have the "boys will be boys" mentality and revert back to the tradition roles of male dominance where men are sort of cavemen and their women are their to please them. We also studied 80's metal. Here, men exert power over women by excluding them, treating them as sexual creatures to be wary of, and by using the women's typical role of being objectified to gain power.
I think men try to define their roles and form their identity in the midst of confusion by sorting through everything that they are bombarded through pop culture. On one hand, they are supposed to be MEN (read in caveman voice) where they are dominant creatures and get in fights, gain territory, take care of their women, earn the most money, and on and on. (We are familiar with this role). They are supposed to learn from their fathers, but branch out in order to really become a man. They are supposed to be free to express themselves. So if they don't like everything that comes with the traditional role, they pick and chose what they want to keep and go through this forming process of their masculinity. Because of this crisis, there is no clear answer to what masculinity is. In my mind masculinity is a huge bowl of contradictions. They are supposed to be emotionless...yet have passion an therefore emotion. They are supposed to be strong, but vulnerable sometimes. They need to earn the most money, yet follow their dreams. They need to provide for their families, and stay at home and be a good father.

This is an article in NewsWeek about the Crisis of Masculinity:
it claims that "A true masculinity is grounded in a man’s determination to fulfill his manhood in being a good husband, father, citizen, worker, leader, and friend — one who makes a difference, fulfills a role for others, and devotes his life to these tasks."