I'm taking Psychology of Human Sexuality online this summer. I wanted to share an excerpt from the textbook, Human Sexuality: From Cells to Society by Martha S. Rosenthal, with you:

"What does it mean to be a man? According to sociologist Michael Kimmer (2001) the traditional Western ideology of masculinity includes four main points:

1) No Sissy Stuff: Household duties, nurturing others, and child rearing are women's work.

2)Be a Big Wheel: Strive for wealth, power, status, and sexual success.

3) Be a Sturdy Oak: Hide your emotions and be reliable in a crisis. Emulate inanimate objects such as trees, rocks, and pillars.

4) Give 'em Hell: Be aggressive, take risks, live life on the edge, and go for it!

(Rosenthal continues)

As you peruse typical men's magazines like Maxim and FHM you can certainly see these messages reiterated. Men who read these magazines get the following messages about masculinity: Women are there for your pleasure--score with as many big-breasted beautiful women you can. Buy the latest electronics gadgets and expensive clothes so you'll look rich and cool. Drink until you get wasted. And above all, take nothing seriously. Maintain a cool and ironic distance at all times."