Machismo: Difference between revisions
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'''Machismo''' is prominently exhibited or excessive [[masculinity]].<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/macho Entry for ''macho'' at dictionary.com]</ref> As an attitude, |
'''Machismo''' is prominently exhibited or excessive [[masculinity]].<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/macho Entry for ''macho'' at dictionary.com]</ref> As an attitude, . |
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showing off to strength and courage |
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The trait may be seen as the product of [[runaway evolution]], as [[Frits Staal]] notes, |
The trait may be seen as the product of [[runaway evolution]], as [[Frits Staal]] notes, |
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==In Spanish and Portuguese== |
==In Spanish and Portuguese== |
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The English word "machismo" originates in an identical [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] word, which however has a somewhat different meaning. Spanish and Portuguese ''machismo'' refers |
The English word "machismo" originates in an identical [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] word, which however has a somewhat different meaning. Spanish and Portuguese ''machismo'' refers , , .<ref>[http://www.wordreference.com/es/en/frames.asp?es=machismo Entry for ''machismo'' at the Dictionary of the [[Royal Spanish Academy]]]</ref> ''Machismo'' itself derives from Spanish and Portuguese ''macho'', coming from the Latin masculus "male [animal]" or, when used metaphorically, "[[masculine]]" or "very masculine."<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/machismo Online Etymology Dictionary's entry for "machismo"]</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 13:57, 26 April 2010
Machismo is prominently exhibited or excessive masculinity.[1] As an attitude, refers to displaying manly characteristics, such as domineering, fierceness, bravado, etc., in ostentatiously tough ways.
showing off to strength and courage
The trait may be seen as the product of runaway evolution, as Frits Staal notes,
The peacock's tail, the enlarged claw of the male fiddler crab and the machismo of members of the human species are all exaggerated features that may cause injury to individuals that display them but attract females.[2]
In literature
In American literature, a memorable example of machismo comes from Tennessee Williams' character Stanley Kowalski, the egotistical brother-in-law in A Streetcar Named Desire. In the play (and in the motion picture), Stanley epitomises the tough guy stereotype alpha male, socially and physically dominating and imposing his will upon his wife and her sister, Blanche Dubois. Bound up with Stanley's aggressive and occasionally misogynist views is a strong sense of pride and honor which leads to his hatred of Blanche.[3]
In the play "A View from the Bridge" by Arthur Miller, one of the main characters Eddie is a classic type who displays machismo. [4] He wants to be the best out of the men who he is among and when beaten, becomes very quiet.
In Spanish and Portuguese
The English word "machismo" originates in an identical Spanish and Portuguese word, which however has a somewhat different meaning. Spanish and Portuguese machismo refers displaying manly characteristics, such as domineering, fierceness, bravado, etc., in ostentatiously tough ways.[5] Machismo itself derives from Spanish and Portuguese macho, coming from the Latin masculus "male [animal]" or, when used metaphorically, "masculine" or "very masculine."[6]
See also
References
- ^ Entry for macho at dictionary.com
- ^ Staal, Noam Chomsky Between the Human and Natural Sciences, Janus Head (2001)
- ^ Drew Linsky: A Streetcar Named Desire. In: St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, 2002 Gale Group.
- ^ Investigate and critically reflect on the ways in which viewers react to same-sex romantic screen kisses. University of Aberyswyth
- ^ Entry for machismo at the Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy
- ^ Online Etymology Dictionary's entry for "machismo"