The Strong Man

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The perhaps most traditional form of masculinity, the Strong Man is characterized by physical strength, bravery, and often stoicism. This type of masculinity has been valued for ages, from ancient Spartan warriors to 1950s fathers. The idea of the western Strong Man is a fighter and protector of his family and country. They are strong and independent. As a manifestation of this strength and bravery, the Strong Man is the stereotypic warrior. Ideals of this form are men such as Spartan warriors, James Bond, and Rambo. These men are often idolized in our culture as being those who embody these ideals of manhood. 

Stoicism is an important feature, for Strong Men are expected to show little if any emotion. Emotions, other than perhaps anger, would be considered weaknesses that cannot be tolerated. Strength has been a desired feature in the harshness of premodern life. Weakness cannot be tolerated as a matter of survival and success.




ReturnToManliness.com

This website, returntomanliness.com, is an example of the position of the ideas of a strong man in today's society. The website extols the values of a manliness rooted in physical strength, bravery, and all things man. As the website's about section says, returntomanliness.com emphasizes a resistance to the "wussification" of man.

Disarming Masculinities

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This article argues that weapons are part of this Strong Man impression. They are an extension and manifestation of violent and aggressive tendencies of this model of masculinity. As a consequence, weapons are used to assert the will of this model of masculinity. The author also explores weapons' relationship to the sexuality of men.
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http://hulk69.com/files/King_Leonidas.jpg
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Page Sources

1. Rambo. Digital image. Live for Films. Web. <http://liveforfilms.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/rambo.jpg>.
2. King Leonidas. Digital image. Web. 27 Apr. 2010. <http://hulk69.com/files/King_Leonidas.jpg>.
3. James Bond. Digital image. Web. 27 Apr. 2010. <http://www.costaricapages.com/panama/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/james_bond0812.jpg>.
4. Return To Manliness. Web. 28 Apr. 2010. <http://returntomanliness.com/>
5. Myrttinen, Henri. "Disarming Masculinities." Disarmament Forum: 37-46. Web.