Masculinity in crisis

Kimmel argues that contemporary masculinity as we know it is in crisis. He gives many different reasons but highlights both the masculine mystique and feminism. All of chapter 8 discusses the masculine mystique and the pressures it places on a man to be and do everything. Kimmel defines "masculine mystique" as "the impossible synthesis of sober, responsible breadwinner, imperviously stoic master of his fate, and swashbuckling hero" (190). Basically a list or long combination of ideals many men absolutely won't live up to.  His explanation makes it obvious that the idea of men achieving the masculine mystique was ridiculous. Kimmel also explains that feminism contributed to putting contemporary manhood in crisis. or at least making a change to manhood. During the feminist movement many men felt oppressed or as though they were misunderstood because the voices of the women were louder. During the feminist movement they were also shown as insensitive money hungry businessmen whose only interest was providing for his family, while the woman's job was to care for the family. To Kimmel this was a crisis because men didn't want to be seen this way but also found it difficult to show a different side to themselves. This quote pretty much sums the argument up, "...middle class masculinity had become the butt of humor, not the object of veneration" (209).