For more than three decades; the women's movement and its scholars have exhaustively studied women's complex history; roles; and struggles. In Manhood in America; Third Edition; author Michael Kimmel argues that it is time for men to rediscover their own evolution. Drawing on a myriad of sources;he demonstrates that American men have been eternally frustrated by their efforts to keep up with constantly changing standards. Kimmel contends that men must follow the lead of the women's movement; it is only by mining their past for its best qualities and worst excesses that men will free themselves from the constraints of the masculine ideal. The third edition discusses such timely topics as post-9/11 politics; "self-made" masculinities (including those of Internet entrepreneurs); presidential campaigns; and gender politics. It also covers contemporary debates about fatherlessness; the biology of male aggression; and pop psychologists like John Gray and Dr. Laura. Outlining the various ways in which manhood has been constructed and portrayed in America; this engaging history is ideal as a main text for courses on masculinity or as a supplementary text for courses in gender studies and cultural history.
#867426 in Books 2015-02-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.50 x 1.30 x 9.30l; 1.78 #File Name: 0199754071352 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Novel approach to a complicated issueBy Irene RingwormA thoughtful and novel approach to the racial issues surrounding Mormonism. While other works have given significant attention to racial attitudes among Latter-Day Saints; Reeve provides additional commentary on the racial character of attitudes *towards* Latter-Day Saints. Reeve suggests that the public perception of early Latter-Day Saints as a racial "other" prompted the Church to respond with policies and attitudes that underscore members as "just as white as other Americans". In the process; Reeve compiles a thorough and readable history of Latter-Day Saint policy on race; including the long-standing priesthood ban and open counsel against interracial marriage. Reeve generally depicts Church leadership as sincere; even when he feels that they were misguided (or just plain wrong) - the content is suitable for both LDS and non-LDS readers.The framing device and structure are questionable but mostly work - my biggest complaint is that the content on Native American-LDS relations seems lacking. While the section on black-LDS relations covers considerable ground from Mormonism's founding to the present day; the depiction of Native American relationships are relegated to 19th century Mormon history. Expanding these sections to cover; for example; President Kimball's outreach towards Native Americans would push the book firmly into five-star territory.All in all and excellent and respectful summary.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating and very readable.By Lew CraigThis is an excellent background into the history of race in America and how it caused problems for Latter-day Saints. As a faithful member of the LDS Church who nevertheless has struggled with the issue of blacks and the priesthood; this book answers many questions. It creates an understanding for the reasons the priesthood may have been denied to blacks. Are there still questions? Yes. Do we know what Brigham Young was thinking when he announced the ban? No; but the book gives a great sociological background on what he may have been thinking.Reeve looks at the fact Mormons were not considered "white" in the 19th century. The society valued "whiteness" as a mark of superiority. He also hints that church leaders; none of whom were considered to be perfect; overreacted in trying to emphasize the church's whiteness.The only problem I have with the book is the chapter towards the end that discusses Mormons performing in black face. No mention is made of the fact that black face performances were very common in society at large; even extending to TV variety shows in the 1950's. If one views recording of Eddie Cantor and Al Jolson; black face was part of their popularity. "The Jazz Singer;" the first talking motion picture; has Jolson performing in black face.Reeve documents his book very thoroughly. It is a groundbreaking look at American and LDS society in the 19th and 20th centuries. While it is academic and footnoted; it is quite readable. No serious student of Mormon history can do without this wonderful book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very important book to help understand Mormon history and American history as well.By Marcus NortonThis a really interesting book that not helps you to understand not only Mormonism but also America as well. If you want to get a much better understanding why the LDS Church is like it is it then I would highly recommend reading this book.This book really helps to understand the outside forces that "helped" to shape the LDS church into what it is today.
