I disagree with Mansfield assumption that manliness and sensitivity are incompatible. Men can be “manly” men by having courage and confidence, fighting for their country, and standing up for something they believe in, but they also can be sensitive by showing emotions and their feelings. Men (husbands) generally will want to show courage and will want to protect their families. However, when someone in their family is ill, they will show their sensitive side and will try to care for the sick person. They will show their concern. An example of a person who does this is my dad.
I also think manliness and sensitivity can be compatible when it comes to women. Women are in general sensitive and emotional. They show their feelings and do not care what others think. Manliness is also in women because women sometimes feel like they have to prove themselves and they stand up for themselves. In addition, women even get into fights which Mansfield said is “manly”.
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Katie-
We share the same opinion on this question. i also mentioned family life in my blog, but not as extensively as you did. It's a bit of a disappointment that more people in society cannot find the balance between these two characteristics, but we are humans and therefore not perfect. It just makes us appreciate the people who can strike the balance more. I really liked how you mentioned that manliness can also be present in women. I think people forget that sometimes. We can be just as strong physically and mentally as men, and that is a good thing. Gender roles should not have to be defined in black and white because we are all different and develop our own sense of what manliness and sensitivity really mean.
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