Violence as Entertainment and the Film Tough Guise

Textbook beginning on page 164, the book details violence as entertainment and mentions the film Tough Guise narrated by Jackson Katz, which focuses on how the ongoing epidemic of men's violence in America is rooted in our inability as a society to move beyond outmoded ideals of manhood. Cutting across racial, ethnic, and class lines, Katz examines mass shootings, day-to-day gun violence, violence against women, bullying, gay-bashing, and American militarism against the backdrop of a culture that has normalized violent masculinity – especially in the face of challenges to traditional male power and authority. Along the way, the film looks at the violent, sexist, and homophobic messages boys and young men receive from virtually every corner of the culture – from television, movies, video games, and advertising, to pornography, the sports culture, and U.S. political culture.

For this assignment, first, watch the sequel Tough Guise 2 (also narrated by Katz), which continues to demonstrate how men’s violence is overwhelmingly a gendered phenomenon. Furthermore, Katz suggests that any attempt to understand violence, therefore, requires critically examining our cultural codes and ideals of manhood.

Next, answer the following question:

1. What does the research show about the relationship between young men’s investment in traditional ideals of manhood, violence, and sexual violence?

2. How does violent masculinity contribute to domestic and IPV?

Finally, provide your critical reaction to the film.

The textbook and the film transcript are attached.