Men and Violence‏

From: Jacob

My picture shows several ways that boys learn violent behavior and some other aspects of “Guy Culture.” The Batman poster in the background is a source that contributes to the idea that men should be violent and “manly.” Batman comics and video games have become more violent in recent years – the character becoming more dark and gritty – compared to Batman in the “Silver Age of Comics,” where he was more campy and silly. Batman is a violent character, often breaking bones and maiming criminals, which reinforces the boy’s idea that aggressive behavior is a good thing that he should have. The other poster, this one of the movie “Pulp Fiction,” is another source of violent behavior. Pulp Fiction is a violent movie that features murder, rape, and robbery; yet is featured as though it is a normal thing that everyone does. Granted, it is like that because the movie is in the point of view of various mobsters. Regardless, the movie reinforces the idea that men are naturally violent. The video game is another source that reveals violence that is reinforced by society. The game, “Bloodborne,” features a large amount of blood and gore, which the game has received praise for. The video game and other media are all sources from which this boy has learned violence. Although none of these medians cause boys to be violent, they certainly reinforce society’s idea that men are supposed to be aggressive.

Other aspects of “Guy Culture” are also present in the photo. The unkempt bed shows that the boy is messy, which is generally accepted for boys. This is a stark contrast to women, who are expected to be neat and tidy (although this may not be true for all girls). The open checkbook on the boy’s desk shows that he has his own bank account, a sign of independence. His independence itself is an aspect of boy culture, as boys are taught to be independent and girls are not.

Finally, the tilt of the photo shows all these sources of violence hanging above the boy. This represents that all of these things are always present in the boys mind and influencing what he does and how he thinks.