Cowmen

 This week, we read multiple pieces that encompassed and discussed concepts such as gender roles decided by society. One piece that really stood out was About Men by Gretel Ehrlich. She talks about the conventional views that were held as cowboys held—tough, dirty, aggressive—and debunks previously these as well as defines what a real Cowboy is. Physicality and Toughness are the 2 aspects that are expected in a cowboy but Ehrlich’s argument is that from her personal experience, they’re everything but that; they’re gentle, tender, and thoughful. She says “Instead of the macho, trigger-happy man our culture has perversely wanted him to be, the cowboy is more apt to be convivial, quirky and softhearted” (Ehrlich 571). In the modern world, men, not just limited to cowboys, are expected to “man up” and suppress emotions. However, it shows how recently, such pressure and generalized norms can affect mental health and well-being of a person. In studies and even just in real life, most men will talk less and reach out for help because they have an image and persona to maintain. Another thing that Ehlich mentioned was interactions cowboys had with women. She states how they are “evasive” with women and how they struggle to portray their tenderness to them. Just like contemporary societies, men are often anticipated to make the first move, and when they do it by pressure or not by their will, they often display a superficial version of themselves, unable to show their tenderness and warmth. I believe it is the lack of autonomy for both Cowboys and men today is the primary reason they struggle, and with time and forbearance, they will then be able to say that they’re not the Marlboro Man.