We Put the Male Back into Masculinity and Male Psyche

Men put pressure upon themselves to be viewed in a certain way by society and others. Masculinity is defined as "the quality or condition of being masculine." Male psyche is best defined as "to put into the right psychological frame of mind." [dictionary.com] Three stories that show masculinity and male psyche are, "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven" by Sherman Alexie, "The Bath" and "A Small Good Thing" by Raymond Carver, and "Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka. In sociology, Janet Saltzman Chafetz comprised of seven areas of masculinity. Those areas are: 1. Physical- Virile, athletic, strong, brave. Unconcerned about appearance and aging; 2. Functional- Breadwinner, provider; 3. Sexual- Sexually aggressive, experienced. Single status acceptable; 4. Emotional- Unemotional, stoic; 5. Intellectual- Logical, intellectual, rational, objective, practical, 6. Interpersonal-Leader, dominating; disciplinarian; independent, individualistic (applies to western societies); 7. Other Personal Characteristics- Success-oriented, ambitious; proud, egotistical, moral, trustworthy; decisive, competitive, uninhibited, adventurous.

In Sherman Alexie's "The Lone Ranger