Paul Theroux’s perspective on the idea of manhood in America is something I personally disagree with. According to Theroux, masculinity is like wearing an ill-fitting coat for one’s entire life, contrasting it with femininity which he describes as nakedness. Essentially, he believes that men have to constantly hide behind a facade of toughness and masculinity to adhere to societal expectations. In his essay, Theroux consistently expresses his disdain towards the concept of manliness and the process of transforming boys into men.
One thing that strikes me as absurd is his comments about sports and the individuals who participate in them. He equates sports to being “a drug worse than marijuana and is a recipe for creating bad marriages, social misfits, moral degenerates, sadists, latent rapists and just plain louts.” Conversely, I strongly believe that sports nurture attributes such as character, resilience, strong work ethics, self-assurance, collaboration, determination, and numerous other qualities essential to becoming a respectable individual.
Theroux’s critique centers on the male lifestyle and challenges the notion that being “manly” equates to virtue. He contends that masculine behavior often encompasses foolishness, emotional detachment, subservience, and inflexible thinking. While perusing this essay, I ponder if other men share Theroux’s viewpoint. Men aspire for strength and respectability due to societal expectations deeply ingrained in them, avoiding any perception of weakness or pathos. Furthermore, Theroux implies that athletes contribute to the development of socially inept individuals. However, I believe Theroux himself has perpetually felt like a social outsider and employs his writing as an avenue for expressing his personal struggles.
To me, toughness is a crucial quality in a man. It doesn’t necessarily have to be physical; rather, every man should possess mental and emotional strength. As men, it is our duty to safeguard our loved ones and serve as strong role models. According to Theroux, the ability to handle challenging circumstances sets apart boys from men. Without toughness, achieving success becomes improbable. Being tough empowers us to exemplify leadership and stability in family life and any other circumstance.
Boys are socialized to possess strength, authority, and prominence. It is an innate aspect of our human nature. Personally, I deeply appreciate masculinity and consider it the most crucial element of manhood. Although some men may have differing opinions like Theroux, I believe in their right to express themselves and live according to their desires. Nevertheless, it is entirely incorrect for Theroux to state that masculinity is unacceptable or that being a man in America is pathetic. I strongly oppose Paul Theroux’s viewpoint.
