I've Got a Dream

Based on the readings and what I've picked up in class, discussion, and the blog posts, I feel as though a lot of our understanding of what masculinity is has to do with assumptions and perceptions society has.  Men are supposed to be strong, unemotional, and like "manly" things. Girls are supposed to be frilly, fashionable, smell good, and like "girly" things. The definition of masculinity is having qualities or appearance traditionally associated with men, especially strength and aggressiveness. So by this definition, if men stray outside of what is "traditionally manly", then they are effeminate. However, in the movie Tangled, there was the band of ruffians who came across as very tough, aggressive, and were feared. They had hooks for hands, armor, weapons, and were very built. However, there is a scene with all of them where they are singing about their dreams. Some dreams included were making tiny ceramic unicorns, being a florist, and making superb cupcakes, which to me, don't seem like typical qualities associated with men. Interestingly enough, the ruffian who had the dream of being an interior designer was dressed quite effeminately. Of course it's a Disney movie so there is going to be a song, but the fact that they were given dreams such as the ones described and can yet be given those appearances goes against the definition of masculinity. There's even a jab from Flynn Rider, the main male character, who says he has a dream that's less "touchy feely", implying they aren't masculine dreams either. There should be some middle ground with masculinity though. Just because a man likes to bake or sing and dance or arrange flowers shouldn't make him effeminate if he has other qualities that would make him masculine. It should just add to his character. 

I really do enjoy that scene though, so you can watch it too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMFHbQ3agvE&feature=related