"Masculinity Stereotype"

As our class discussed the role of masculinity in society, I became intrigued as to why a society would tolerate and even condone the stereotypical role of masculinity, as portrayed by the media. As such, I decided to discuss and shed some light on a few stereotypes of masculinity.
First, why can’t we grow up untainted by society’s perception of “masculinity?” It seems apparent that we start gender assignment before a person is even born, buying pink things for girls and blue things for boys. It escalates from here as children begin to develop and starts to get mobile. After a little boy falls down, it is common for parents to respond, “Stop crying, suck it up, or you’re a big boy,” whereas a girl is allowed to cry, while being offered comfort, because shedding tears is accepted as a feminine trait. Henceforth, if a boy cries he is acting like a “girl,” because this is a learned accepted fact given to him by society. Oddly enough, I have heard many times that women are more capable of sustaining higher pain thresholds than men, due to their physiology. I don’t know if there is truth in that, but from what I have witnessed in my own life, I would stand behind that statement. However, in order for men to be men, they must be “tough,” they must endure painful situations without the slightest utterance, and not give way to tears of emotion, or else they are not considered masculine.
Secondly, I’d like to discuss the term “man’s work.” Throughout our lives, the idea is impressed upon us that men do certain types of work and women do other types of work. For instance, it is acceptable for a man to work on a car but not for a woman. Such labor is accepted as man’s work, but why? What makes a man more capable of working on a car than a woman? While some would argue that physical strength makes a man better equipped for such work. The tools and equipment available today make it easy for almost anyone to change a tire, oil, or an engine! As such, “man’s work” is a stereotype, repeatedly enforced by media.
The real question remains, what can we do to stop this gender assignment, given to us by the media, and advertisers? My proposal is to become familiar with such “assignments” and become proactive at stomping them out. Next, we must teach our children not to accept such assignments, but to live true to their dreams and passions. In this way, we can pass on less stereotypical views to the next generation. If a boy cries when he gets hurt, let it be. Don’t enforce the stereotypes of masculinity. But, instead work with people, and especially children, recognizing them for their strengths, weaknesses, talents, and interests, rather than specific gender traits.