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ID: 3448270 • Letter: J

Question

Journals must be uploaded to this assignment link. Emailed assignments will not be accepted When surveyed, many students have said that alcohol facilitates male bonding. If this is true, why do men rely on alcohol to bond? How might our cultural definition of masculinity support this situation? How might homophobia support this situation? What are some ways young men can bond with one another that do not focus on drinking, or destructive behavior? How might changing our cultural definition of masculinity change, and improve, young men's relationships with one another? Why is it important to look at the problems associated with high-risk drinking through a gendered lens?

Explanation / Answer

There is no such substance which can facilitate bonding in any relationship be it males or females. The reason men rely on alcohol for bonding is mostly peer pressure. The feeling that they will be secluded if they refuse to drink leads them to such a scenario. The cultural belief that masculanity is all about being macho and doing all the destructive things leads to resorting to alcohol. On the contrary, masculanity is about understanding the difference between right and wrong without considering if others are standing with you or not. The men who resort to such substances also tend to be politically correct in all other ways in the society. This is at times a reason for them to be homophobic. The belief that supporting homosexuals will make them less macho and they will be laughed at in the society forces them to behave homophobic. In order to hide such insecurities and flaws, these people tend to resort to substances.

There are various other ways to bond with one another than alcohol. These include things like going for sports together like playing squash. They can also read together or join the gym together in order to bond. Changing the definition of masculanity can help. Rather than considering masculanity to be macho or aggressive, it should be considered as sensibility and maturity to understand the difference between right and wrong.

It is of utmost importance to look at problems from such an angle in order to make sure that the youth chooses the right path. It is not only about alcohol but the overall attitude of men. Explaining this to the young generation is of utmost importance for a better and healthier future.