What defines "masculinity"? (revised)

In World Lit we have discussed multiple definitions, coming up with a consensus of the stereotypical factors that contribute to masculinity. In society, we view traits such as strength, bravery, wit, honor, aggressiveness and detachment from emotion as masculine qualities. It is also easy to define masculinity by saying what is not considered masculine, but rather the opposite of masculine: feminine. Weakness, sensitivity, kindness, nuturance, emotiveness, and dependence are considered more feminine traits according to societal opinion. Masculinity and femininity are often considered direct opposite, and to be completely masculine, one cannot possess any feminine traits and vice versa. I do not think, however, that everything is so cut and dry.

Society tends to pigeon-hole masculinity as a male characteristic, but both men and women can possess these perceived masculine qualities. Masculinity is not a biologically predetermined characteristic and in truth, not all men are conventionally "masculine", but rather have a balance of both femininity and masculinity. There are men out there who are brave and sensitive, strong and kind, emotional and aggressive. Similarly, women can be any combination of the supposed "masculine" and "feminine" characteristics. I believe that the concept of being masculine or possessing masculinity is not one that is so easily defined; there is too much grey area.

If we are to go by society's typical outlook on masculinity in relation to Orwell's 1984, we will definitely find the roles reversed between Winston and Julia. In the book, she is the one who is courageous and dominating, the one who makes all of the decisions, who seems to be completely free of strong emotions. Whereas Winston is dependent upon her to make all of the choices, he is the weak character who needs to be taken care of, he lacks bravery and strength and relies completely upon Julia. This reliance upon a woman is hardly considered masculine and it illustrates that masculinity is not strictly a male concept. Julia plays the traditional masculine role in the novel. This helps to broaden our view of masculinities, rather than have them trapped within the confines of gender.

I feel that this is why it is hard to come up with a clear definition of what it means to be masculine - because it is generally spoken of in relation to males than to people in general.

Big Brother also exemplifies masculinity in 1984. Appearing as the epitome of masculine – powerful, strong and protective – he devalues the masculinity of the males in society; thus he serves as an ideal for members of The Party to strive towards. This is stereotypical in that the most masculine figure in Orwell’s novel is male. It goes to show how biased society’s outlook on such qualities as “masculinity” and “femininity” has come to be. It is hard to pinpoint a clear definition of what it means to be masculine because what is perceived as masculine has become skewed by gender; we forget that both men and women can embody masculinity.