Hegemonic masculinity is a term that describes the dominant model of societys ideal man. It is a version of manhood that represents domination over other people, especially through physical displays. It is exemplified by groups that receive special cultural power such as in sport. During a recent match, the Australian rugby team, the Junior Kangaroos, disrespected the New Zealand Team, the Junior Kiwis by advancing towards them with linked arms as the Kiwis performed the haka. This is a dance performed by Maori men as an expression of cultural identity. The New Zealand Rugby League president Howie Tamati explained that the haka is not a situation where youre looking to fight, which is how the Aussie team treated it. The International Rugby Board rules state that the opposing team must stand at least 10 metres from the halfway line while the haka is performed. The Aussies wilfully disregarded this rule. This video is worth watching as an example of hegemonic masculinity and its connection to broader patterns of nationalism and cultural violence. On the one hand, all these players are representative of hegemonic masculinity for their respective cultures. Being athletes, these young men make a decent living, and are revered, based on their bodily prowess. On the other hand, the Australian team, who is familiar with the haka, indulged in aggression and cultural insensitivity. Watch the two men at the centre of this video to see an exchange of restrained aggression on the Aussie side. Strangely, both teams have players of Maori descent (as well as Pacific Islander and other backgrounds), so it is difficult to fathom why the decision to advance was made other than to antagonise cultural pride. buff.ly/1sN6gcD Quote and info: buff.ly/1sN6gsQ #sociology
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 10:09:08 +0000
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