Black Masculinity Essay

Media is a focal reason for the evolution and formation of masculinity, especially black masculinity. Men are at the forefront of media, and the men that are portrayed in media are almost perfect in every fashion. The media has stereotyped black men, which ultimately leads to the evolution of the black man. The evolution of the black man is formed through a stereotype because, it affects the expectations of what black men are supposed and not supposed to do. Starting in the early 1950s the image of black men started to change. Elite black jazz men started to withdraw themselves for the stereotypical black man. The withdrawal from the stereotype allowed the evolution into a different black male. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s there were a plethora of African American television series to prosper. The popularity of these sitcoms allowed black men to become stereotyped again. “Good Times”, “The Bill Cosby Show”, “That’s My Mama”, “What’s Happening?” and others showcased a new image of black masculinity. The new image of black masculinity showcased how black men were family men

The media has the largest effect on forming the evolution of black masculinity because it is viewed by more people. The popularity of media is why black masculinity is forever changing. Sports have also impacted the evolution of black masculinity, by creating standards of a stereotypical black male. Sexual stereotyping also plays a role in the sports and the evolution of black masculinity, because young boys aspire to be like the people they admire. Sports and hyper-masculine males encounter the challenges of homosexuality and its pivotal role. In sports homosexuality can cause aggression, thus leading to even more homophobic and hyper-masculine black males. The evolution of black masculinity will always change as long as media, sports, and homosexuality are present and admired in