Introduction

This blog has been created as the final project as part of a semester-long independent study of masculinity. As I complete my last weeks as an undergraduate student, I am attempting to incorporate my interest in culture with current view of gender (masculinity, specifically). While this blog is an interactive capstone project, it is also an extension of my work with the University of Michigan's Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) and their Men's Activism Program (MAP). As an active member of SAPAC MAP, my responsibilities include the following:
-Serve as a sexual assault/harassment resource for my fellow students on campus
-Educate the campus community on sexual assault, prevention, and local resources for help
-Raise awareness for sexual assault
-Empower survivors of sexual assault
-Educate the campus community on the importance of the role of men in the movement through recruitment, support, and participation

I feel, however, that in order to educate the community on men in the movement, mens' roles in sexual assault and sexual assault prevention, I needed to perform a more in-depth study of men. I needed to learn about masculinity in America, mechanisms that fuel mens' desire to feel "masculine", how masculinity affects minority men, and I needed to understand what the term MASCULINITY even means.

My hope is that this project will aid in my understanding of the following:
1) How masculinity is portrayed in American media/advertising by identifying prevalent stereotypes.
2) Prevalent stereotypes of minority men
3) How masculinity impacts representations of females in American media/advertising
4) How stereotypes of women influence advertising that is directed to men.

A disclaimer:
-The views in this blog are strictly my own. They do not reflect the views of my professor or the views of the University of Michigan.

-The views in this blog are those of a 23-year old woman. Therefore, I can only offer my personal, female perspective. Male perspectives may differ from mine.

-I am both a gay and a survivor of sexual assault (assault that was committed based on my sexual preferences). Therefore, I acknowledge that my views of men may be different from other women with different experiences. My views are neither more/less important nor are they more/less justified than the views held by other women.

-I welcome comments and am interested in reading your thoughts as they relate to my posts. I am not, however, interested in reading derogatory, rude, or hurtful comments. Disagree with me? GREAT! Tell me why as I hope to keep learning from different peoples' perspectives.

-There will be language/material in this blog that may not be suitable for children or immature adults. Plan accordingly.


Finally, thank you for your support as I strive to understand masculinity and try to make the world a more peaceful place.

Cheers,
Morgan