Wednesday 16 April 2008
''Manliness''
Even according to Mansfield's definition of manliness, then no, it and sensitivity are not incompatible. Mansfield defines manliness as 'gallant', 'protective', 'courageous', 'aggressive', 'confident', 'frank'. He defines sensitivity as understanding and sympathizing with other's mindsets. The two definitions are not mutually exclusive. Nowhere does it say that you can't be both, say, sympathetic and courageous, or understanding and confident. The word aggressive might be a little more difficult to be along with sensitive. Of course, that doesn't mean all men are both 'manly' and sensitive. Look at Eustace Conway. He fits the definition of manly. He can be gallant (charming, courteous) if he chooses. He's protective of the environment and of his land and ideas. He's courageous-you don't go fighting with wild animals unless you are. He's definitely confident and aggressive, and he's also direct and honest- frank. However, he's not sensitive. He doesn't understand people, especially women, and how to understand and get along with them. He can't sympathize with anyone- he think if everyone acts like him, then all will be well and doesn't understand that not everyone is like him. So, while manliness and sensitivity according to Mansfield can be traits of the same person, they don't have to be.
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2 comments:
I agree with you that according Mansfield's perception, manliness and sensitivity do not go together most of the time. However, there are some cases when people can be manly and sensitive. He says that being manly is when someone stands up for what they believe in and fight for what they think is right. Soldiers in this country do that and some of them are sensitive when it comes to their families and friends.
Also, women can be "manly" by showing courage, being politically involved, confident, and protective when it comes to something they care about. Sometimes women get into fights, which shows they can be aggressive. They also can be sensitive by caring for their families, showing their emotions, and caring about other’s feelings.
Mansfield is stereotyping the perceptions of manliness and sensitivity. I think that one can have both traits and that it actually leads to a more balanced person. People can be manly by being powerful or strong, but those types of people can display sensitivity too. There are strong males who don't have to control females and care about other people's feelings. Also, strength doesn't have to be physical. I agree with you that Eustice isn't sensitive when it comes to other people, but I think that his appreciation for nature shows some sensitivity.
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