The article “Constructing Normalcy” really made me question the way society defines what it means to be a “normal” individual. The article discussed terms such as “ideal” as being something that was impossible to achieved by humans because they can be only achieved by supernatural beings. It amazes me how certain individuals will turn a term meant for a totally different purpose and turn it into a term to classify and define others. Another part in the article that antagonized me was the quote Alexander Graham Bell made about natural selection. In the article, Bell states how deaf-mutes must marry and reproduce with other mutes to avoid the creation of a race of deaf people. I was really shocked Bell made this ignorant and false statement because Alexander Graham Bell is not dumb. He was a very intelligent person who invented one of the most revolutionary inventions for society yet would make a bold claim about creating a race of “perfect”people. The whole process of eugenics and developing a generation of normal people reminds me of the Barbie doll models of disabilities. The Ken doll model really is a great connection to the process of making people normal. The Ken doll modeling as a doctor killing people off they could not make normal. It really sickens me people really have the mentality to make everyone “normal”.
The Future of Soccer
Not many people might have known who Clint Dempsey was, but now he is more recognized. Soccer hasn’t always been a popular sport in the U.S, but lately it has been growing and more Americans are involved in it. Clint Dempsey can somewhat be called a hero to the U.S. During the 2014 World Cup he lead his team to the Final 16 and turn many doubters into believers as no one knew the U.S national team would make it so far. Each year the U.S national team improves and thanks to Clint Dempsey being and outstanding soccer player scoring goals in most games. Especially at the world cup when he scored against Ghana’s national team in the first 30 seconds of the match. That’s not something most players can do. This is why I believe Clint Dempsey would fit in the big question mark representing a manly man in today’s generation. According to the authors Brett, and Kate McKay in “The Generations of Men: How the Cycles of History Shape Your Values, Your Idea of Manhood, and Your Future” “They also place more importance on getting married, having kids, and being a leader in their community.”(McKay’s) Clint Dempsey fits in the Millennial generation because he is a leader in his community showing the world that the U.S national team is a not a team to take lightly and as well in the MLS league being one of many American players helping the sport of soccer become more popular in the U.S. The article describes what a our generation, the hero generation, are “The Crisis provides Hero men with the chance to perform distinctly masculine feats of courage and prove their manliness.” (McKay’s) Another example, would be Clint Dempsey in the Gold Cup, despite not winning the tournament, he was the top scorer in the tournament. This is Clint Dempsey’s way to prove his manliness by becoming one of the best American soccer players. Every Time Clint Dempsey scores for the U.S national team he hypes more and more Americans causing a ripple effect for more soccer fans to bloom and to one day make soccer in the U.S just as popular as basketball or hockey. Hopefully one day with the help of U.S fans the U.S national team will win the World Cup, but only if Americans can come together to love and support their team and sport.
Tre Melvin
Manliness used to mean going to war for your country, being the sole provider for your family and not showing your emotions. Today that definition of manliness no longer exist. Today the definition of manliness would be having the courage to stand up and do something different than what everyone else is doing, and if you show emotion during the process it’s okay. Someone that fits that definition of manliness today is Tre Melvin. Tre Melvin is a youtube personality that is straight up and makes you laugh. Tre also happens to be bisexual. A year ago he made a youtube video called my “New Years Resolution” where he came out to the world. That took a lot of courage especially because putting it out to the public in that form can cause a lot of backlash, which it did, but it also showed Tre that his fans would still love him.
In this weeks reading The Generations of Men: How the Cycles of History Shape Your Values, Your Idea of Manhood, and Your Future by Kate and Brett Mckay, they mention that during the third turning or the unraveling that “Individualism and personal satisfaction are at their highest” If you were to take a look at Tre Melvin’s youtube page you would see that Tre stands for individualism and self satisfaction. He does what makes him happy and doesn’t care what others have to say. Tre also expresses his individualism. Not many people prior to our time had the courage to do what Tre has done and continues to do.
In the article the Mckay’s say:“What I see this mean for Millennial men is a desire to return to a simple, straightforward, non-angsty approach to being a man; they’re not so concerned about gender roles and manhood as something they need to get in touch with or analyze or are angry about; rather, it’s more like, “Yeah, I’m a man, and I like being a man. So how does a man live a good life?”” In another video that Tre did called “What is a Man” he explains that he is just as manly as he was the day before he came out and just because he is bisexual doesn’t change his masculinity. Tre also says that coming out was the best thing he could have done because he inspired so many other men to do the same, and to live a life where they are no longer hiding their sexuality, and are free to just be themselves.
Mckay, Brett, and Kate Mckay. “The Cyclical Nature of History | The Art of Manliness.” The Art of Manliness. N.p., 12 July 2012. Web. 08 Aug. 2015. <http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/07/12/the-generations-of-men-how-the-cycles-of-history-have-shaped-your-values-your-place-in-the-world-and-your-idea-of-manhood/>.
“71. What Is A “Man”?” YouTube. YouTube, 17 Feb. 2014. Web. 08 Aug. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbG4AX17Eg4>.
Melvin, Tre. “My New Years Resolution.” YouTube. YouTube, 31 Dec. 2014. Web. 08 Aug. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqv1-Ac4Xm8>.
Does it Hit the Ground?
The men of our generation are faced with traditional pressing expectations that we don’t feel as strongly about as the generations before us. Our generation doesn’t expect as much from its men as it used to. The only thing women of the Millennials expect from men is respect and equality. Jaden Smith is highly respected in our generation because he refuses to conform to any form of social norms. His parents raised him right. His main critics are those not of our generation. In his music video, “Scarface,” he says “All you jokers think I’m trippin better think again,” suggesting that his critics need to learn to think in a different way in order to understand that what he’s saying isn’t just nonsense. He also questions ”If a tree falls down, does it make a sound? Does it even hit the ground?” This question has circulated for years just as the chicken question has. He answers the question logically by invalidating the argument, “Because the definition of sound is something one hears, therefore, the tree didn’t make a sound.” Smith’s counter is “Since no one saw it fall, did it even hit the ground?” Jaden has deep insight on many things that other’s can even see the surface of, thus he is criticized by those who don’t understand.
Jayden represents rising America because we are too restricted. There is always someone who disapproves of how a person lives their own lives and it’s limits one to live a fulfilled life. Jaden lives how he wants safely, which is the ideal goal for most people. Men are the most influential in our society- people listen to them more than women. More men should speak up about injustices and things that simply shouldn’t be.
The Next Hero
Many men can fit in the mysterious box about the next hero generation. The person I chose for this box was the popular hip-hop recording artist Big Sean. Big Sean in my opinion fits all the qualities of a hero in the millennial generation. According to the Strauss and Howe’s Theory, the millennial generation is the next hero generation. The hero generation exhibits the qualities of optimism and leadership. The Heroes care more about helping their community than being financially secure. Despite the obstacles they face, the Heroes are still genuine and compatible. With this reason, this is why I chose Big Sean as the missing picture in the photo grid. Big Sean grew up in Detroit during the 90s and early 2000s. During this time period, Detroit was somewhat at its moment of going downhill financially and socially. Even though Big Sean was not close with his father like most Heroes are in the hero generation, he was still able to exhibit the qualities of a man through his music and philanthropy. In his song “One Man Can Change the World”, Big Sean gives a powerful message about life and encouragement to his listeners. This song is in a way symbolizes Big Sean’s mentality of community and perseverance. He also gave back to his high school by donating a recording studio to them for students who want to go into music and become great artists.
Through Big Sean’s personality and mindset, he qualifies to be placed in the box with the question mark. Big Sean is one of the music artists today that never gave up on their dream despite hardships. His story behind his music helps define what a true man is in this generation.
“The Cyclical Nature of History | The Art of Manliness.” The Art of Manliness. N.p., 12 July 2012. Web. 08 Aug. 2015. <http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/07/12/the-generations-of-men-how-the-cycles-of-history-have-shaped-your-values-your-place-in-the-world-and-your-idea-of-manhood/>.
Jalen Rose Has Made a Difference
Courtesy of theroot.com
Jalen Rose, a former basketball player, who was a part of the “Fab Five” is who I feel like belongs in the question mark box. Mr. Rose was a basketball player which is what most people know him as, but I know him from a different perspective. In my eyes Rose is seen through the perspective as a great leader. Basketball is not the reason why he is a great leader, but because of the change he made in the world in the year of 2011. Jalen Rose decided to open up a high school for students all around the community to join so that they can “Enter A Learner and Exit A Leader,” which is Rose’s sign upon entering the school building. Jalen Rose has made a great change in Detroit’s community, by providing a great high school for students who are looking to become the best. “They led with a practical civic-orientated, can-do spirit, and did big things like going to the moon,” stated Brett and Mckay. Jalen Rose started his dream with a can do spirit and have not gave up on what he felt was right for his community. A lot of people doubted Jalen Rose and his high school, but yet he did not give up. Not only did he not give up he also proved them wrong this year by having outstanding graduates of the first class of 2015, which I personally was a part of! Brett and Kate McKay states, “the Hero generation entered midlife and led society through a Fast Turning High.” I believe that Jalen Rose is leading society in a positive way, because he is trying to give back to his community. Rose is also pushing his students to work harder and push themselves more, by now making AP classes a requirement to graduate. Rose is making sure the children in his community can receive a great education and be the next men and women to lead the society to a better place. Jalen Rose has proven his masculine ways by making his dream a reality, he deserves to be in the question mark box.
McKay, Brett, and Kate McKay. “The Cyclical Nature of History | The Art of Manliness.” The Art of Manliness. N.p., 12 July 2012. Web. 08 Aug. 2015.
Redefining Manliness
DeLon Slaughter
August 7, 2015
Writing 100/ Dr. Epstein
Blog 5
What Defines a Man?
Bloggers Brett and Kate McKay share a common interest in history, specifically how an individual’s perception of a “man” correlates to generation in question. Furthermore, a generational turn has a huge influence on what, and who is considered “manly” throughout a generation. In one of their more influential blog posts, The Generations of Men: How the Cycles of History Shape Your Values, Your Idea of Manhood, and Your Future, Brett and Kate McKay touched on the huge influence generational turns have on society. They note that there are four generational turns which last at least 20 years each: the high (1st turning), the awakening (2nd turning), the unraveling (3rd turning) and the crisis (4th turning). Each turning revolves around values that impact every individual’s mindset living in that period.
For example, both Brett and Kate McKay note that the current reigning generational turn is actually the fourth turning, or “The Next Crisis,” a potential reason for this label could be the recent 2008 financial crisis. Furthermore, the McKays note that a “crisis,” is a period of time in which “America’s institutional life is destroyed and rebuilt in response to a perceived threat to the nation’s survival,” and that there is a ”sense that society feels tired, worn out, and needs to be renewed.” Naturally, people living throughout this era would note a male who serves as a solution to these occurrences as a true “man.” In modern day America, the only individual who has successfully fulfilled the values expressed by a “crisis” is President Barack Obama. He has not only implemented several services which are key to rebuilding to what was left of America after the 2008 financial crisis, he has become the individual behind renewing America.
Furthermore, if a new issue of Brett and Kate McKay’s blog was issued tomorrow, President Barack Obama’s face would be in the block with the question mark. Ultimately, Obama is the face of America’s 180 turn as a result of his beneficial actions in order to restore the economy. One of his most notable acts of manliness was the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. It not provides health insurance to those who could not afford it previously, it ultimately fulfilled its goal of reforming the American health system. In conclusion, Obama presents a new definition to being “manly.” His acts stem from his yearn to profit the citizens of America, not to for the publicity. Hence, being “manly” revolves around being selfless.
McKay, Brett, and Kate McKay. “The Cyclical Nature of History | The Art of Manliness.” The Art of Manliness. N.p., 12 July 2012. Web. 08 Aug. 2015.
(Image from http://www.sacandomelao.com)
Bill Gates is the Man
Bill Gates is a prime example of a man who has had a great impact on American society. At 59 years old he is one of the richest people in world. He is the co-founder of Microsoft and has helped industrialize the world by paving the pathway for future innovation within the world of technology. With the help of Gates, we are able to advance and live in a world that thrives on innovation. These advancements in technology serve to make life easier and more efficient for America’s citizens. McKay states, “The changing of the turnings always catches people by surprise, as people ever suppose that life will keep going on just like it is now.” No one would have predicted the invention of computers. No one would have ever thought of how much of an impact that it would have on future generations. Since the invention of computers, our world has become almost dependent on technology and has developed a desperate need for innovation. Bill Gates would be the ideal representation of the turns we are facing today. He has helped society progress and has satisfied its need for innovation and catered to its borderline dependency on technology. Gates truly embodies the phenomenon of “manliness” in everything that he has provided to help work towards the betterment of society. He has properly taken care of people’s stress by using his creations in ways of making life easier. A manly figure is supposed to be one who is willing to go through a struggle in order for a great life-changing outcome. You can imagine the endless hours of hard work that Bill Gates was required to do in order to bring society and himself to where they stand today. No one can better represent the ideal image of manliness.
http://www.gatesnotes.com/Energy/Energy-Innovation
*****
McKay states, “The Hero generation were young adults during our most recent Crisis: the Great Depression and WWII.” This quote highly relates to this picture. In this picture it shows how during the WWII, the people knew that victory would only result if they were to work together.
Uche Eke
McKay, Brett, and Kate McKay. “The Cyclical Nature of History | The Art of Manliness.” The Art of Manliness. N.p., 12 July 2012. Web. 06 Aug. 2015.
Non Profit
Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, 20 year old rapper from Brooklyn NY better known as Joey Bada$$ exemplifies what it means to be manly during the turn of the millennial generation. The most common dictionary definition of the word manly, “having qualities traditionally ascribed to men, as strength or bravery”(Dictionary.com) does not directly apply to the manly men of the millennial generation. The word manly has not completely changed, but in reference to Jo-Vaughn it would not apply. Jo-Vaughn may be seen as the typical rapper that makes music purely for the entertainment of other and gaining personal wealth but this is not the case. Music that has been produced by Jo-Vaughn has a deeper meaning, connecting the listener to problems the average inner city teeager must endure.
Jo-Vaughns latest album “B4.DA.$$” gives the listen a completely different perspective to the racial injustice done by the police officers of Ferguson Missouri. He not only overcame adversity by taking on such a controversial topic but he also did the unthinkable by doing it successfully. He represents the positive change needed in today’s society, as America’s society slowly turns back to racial inequality Jo-Vaughn is doing the best job he possibly can from the standpoint of a young artist. In many ways Jo-Vaughn can be seen as a hero to define the turning of the millennial generation. He was courageous by addressing the controversial topics wrapping around the fresh topic of race.
Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 08 Aug. 2015.
“The Cyclical Nature of History | The Art of Manliness.” The Art of Manliness. N.p., 12 July 2012. Web. 08 Aug. 2015.
This blog is about the changing definition of being a man. Each generation has a different way a defining manhood. The article written by the McKay’s talked about how characteristics of generations rotate throughout history. This makes sense to me. When a person is born they are influenced by the social happenings of that time in history. The adults they are raised with are also influenced by these events. This is turn, plays a large part in how the children are treated and raised. One of the examples given in the writing is how “Artisits (born 1843-1859) were born during a crisis. The caregivers of these children were overprotective because of the situation in the country.
Nick Woodman is the definition of a man for this generation. He graduated from the University of California, San Diego in 1997. He attempted two companies, unsuccessful at getting either off the ground. He was determined not to quit but needed some time to re-think his next move. He went on a surf trip and used his 35mm camera to try to get action shots. He noticed others having difficulty getting good action shots. The available equipment was either too expensive or it was impossible to get close enough to the event. This experience led his to create the GoPro. This is an affordable camcorder attached to a belt placed around your body. Nick and his wife sold shell necklaces from their car along the California coast to finance the project They borrowed his mothers sewing machine to attach the belts to the cameras. Today the cameras are digital, waterproof, have wifi capabilities and are affordable at $200-$400. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Woodman)
Nick has donated $500 million to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation this year. The money will be used “to start a donor-advised fund they are calling the Jill + Nicholas Woodman Foundation.” This is a new foundation and they are still in the process of devising the giving strategies. (https://philanthropy.com/article/No-6Nicholas.Jill/151809)
Nick was born in 1975 making him a Nomad, according to the article written by the McKays. It states “Nomad children grow up fast and often engage in risky behavior.” This trait describes Nick Woodman. He likes to play hard, isn’t afraid to take business risks, and gives back big.
“The Cyclical Nature of History | The Art of Manliness.” The Art of Manliness. 12 July 2012. Web. 8 Aug. 2015.
“No. 6: Nicholas and Jill Woodman.” The Chronicle of Philanthropy. 8 Feb. 2015. Web. 8 Aug. 2015.
Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 8 Aug. 2015.`
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