American Male

The identity of the “American male” has developed over time and changed in some ways, however there are common characteristics throughout each iteration of the “American man”. During the colonial era American masculinity was defined as being “rugged, aggressive, unafraid of fighting, and comfortable asserting himself” (Bronksi 29). Later in the early 20th century, American masculinity became associated with “self-control, conscientiousness, moral courage, fearless discharge of duty in the face of obloquy and prejudice, [with] firm determination to do what is right and pleasing to God” (Bronski p 135). American masculinity is an example of how the personal can be political, as the idea of the “American man” has been used as a political issue (Bronski 119). The concept is often used in opposition to femininity, especially as expressed in men. [Alex]