I agree with Paul Theroux's statement: "The whole idea of manhood in America is pitiful, a little like having to wear an ill-fitting coat for one's entire life." (101) Reading that quote, I understand that the"ill-fitting coat" is all the expectations that people have over men. The sports men play, the way men act, and even the job that a man has has to seem right to society.
I do disagree about society having these certain expectations of men because then men won't be able to things freely. If they did do something differently than other men, they would have to think twice about it because it may not seem manly to other people. I believe that just like women get to do whatever they want, men can also.
In the first paragraph you are on a right track, as you begin to analyze the quotation, which Theroux uses to illustrate his point about the oppressive nature of masculinity. But you need to develop your analysis as you only deal with half of the quote?
ReplyDeleteDo your really think men and women are free to do whatever they want without being criticiez or even penalized for their choices?