Monday 30 April 2012

Robert Bly (1992) Mytho-poetic male


Pre-industrial man: violent when hunting, protectors, active role in nurturing male child (would train him to be a man), tests of endurance/strength/self reliance at adolescence. 

Post-industrial/modern man: refuses the male role of protector & hunter/gatherer, perhaps why man interested in violent, fast paced movies. 
Later, men expected to work & leave mother to bring up children, rites of passage/tests become binge drinking/drug use/losing virginity.

Problems with shame, no outlet to express frustration/confusion with role. Men's groups a safe place to do this. Bly suggests outside of civilization where men can re-establish 'male rhythm', express rage, reconnect with 'natural' male state. 

Connell might consider this 'protest masculinity': society has not provided men with the means to attract women and impress other men with wealth and status so they over-compensate with displays of toughness. 

No comments:

Post a Comment