Tough Guise

Violence, Media and the Crisis in Masculinity

80 mins. / color

1999

 

With Jackson Katz

Directed by Sut Jhally

 

Tough Guise is the first education video geared toward college and high school students to systematically examine the relationship between images of popular culture and the social construction of masculine identities in the U.S. at the dawn of the 21st century.

 

In this innovative and wide-ranging analysis, Jackson Katz argues that the widespread violence in American society—including the tragic school shootings in Littleton, Colorado, Jonesboro, Arkansas and elsewhere—needs to be understood as part of an ongoing crisis in masculinity. Tough Guise is extensively illustrated with examples from Howard Stern to Stone Cold Steve Austin, from Good Will Hunting to Boyz ‘N the Hood, from Garth Brooks to hip hop styles.

 

Part 1: Understanding Violent Masculinity

Introduction /  Hidden: A Gender / Upping the Ante / Backlash / The Tough Guise

 

Part 2: Violent Masculinity in Action

The School Shootings / Constructing Violent Masculinity / Sexualized Violence / Invulnerability / Vulnerability / Better Men

 

 

“Jackson has a rare gift for applying feminist insights about gender and power to the real life experiences of boys and men. He does this in a way that helps men think critically without becoming defensive, while offering women valuable new perspectives into masculinity”

 

Susan McGee Bailey

Director, Wellesley Centers for Women

 

 

Media Education Foundation

26 Center Street, Nothampton, MA 01060

Tel: 800.897.0089 or 413.584.8500

 

ISBN 1-893521-09-5