Machismo
While reading Always Running, it has become obvious that the idea of machismo plays a major role in gang culture. To provide some context, the glorification of masculinity has been around since the 16th century when the conquistadors transferred this dominant attitude to the Aztecs. They basically viewed men as more intellectually, physically, and spiritually superior to women, and these stereotypes are what formed the idea of a “macho man”. As time passed and as races began to mix in America, a caste system was developed. It put white people at the top, Spaniards under them, and the Mexicans and Indigenous people at the bottom. At this point in time, machismo became a way to retaliate against white people and Spaniards in order to prove their strength. This violence led to Mexico seeking independence from Spain in the early 20th century during the Revolutionary War. In the history above it’s clear that there was a period of time where machismo didn’t always mean feeling superior to women, rather it meant that and feeling superior to other races, too. Has this changed since then?
Also, there are many instances of machismo being displayed in Always Running including Luis’s initiation into Lomas where he has to be beat up for 2 minutes in order to be a member of the gang. This shows that he is “man” enough to not wimp out. It’s basically the same when Luis is told to burn down the house, he is forced to suppress all feelings/emotions. Insensitivity is at the core of the cult of machismo. Based off of just these two examples, and the many more I can think of, how does machismo influence “La Vida Loca”? How are all these examples related, and how are they different? What does machismo look like today? How does it vary from generation to generation? In addition, I think exploring how machismo varies from culture to culture is an interesting topic, and I would like to explore it if there is extra time.
When we talk about machismo and the glorification of toxic elements of masculinity, we have to talk about its roots in misogyny. Much of the pressure that men feel to act "macho" stems from a desire to not act woman-like, and so unpacking machismo patterns necessitates the discussion of misogyny and discrimination against women. In Always Running, machismo also clearly harms the women in and around gangs: rape and sexual assault are used as tactics in the conflict between gangs and many of the men in the book are derogatory in their discussion of women with their friends. One of the patterns that I have seen in Always Running is an aggressive attitude towards women and a simultaneous protectiveness of mothers. In some ways, I think they both stem from machismo: one is rooted in sexual conquest and the other seems to be a desire to protect ones mother or other female family members, to be the "man" of the house. It would be interesting to talk about why machismo culture leads men both feel threatened by other men attacking/preying on their female family members and also be somewhat predatory towards women themselves.
ReplyDeleteMachismo is the basis of what holds gangs together. Since it is purely a showcase of being tough and independent, participators are forced to conceal their emotions and separate themselves from loved ones. Since Luis is not able to express his emotions, he turns to drugs and suicidal actions. Moreover, machismo makes gangs want to fight one another to assert their dominance. The one gang in Always Running, even though small in number, is willing to kill themselves and fight a much larger gang simply to display their machismo. Therefore, it seems like machismo leads to a detrimental end. I am not sure if machismo varies largely from generation to generation because it is a choice that one can make. For example, Luis is able to detach himself from gang life and machismo culture because of a choice that he makes. On the other hand, machismo may change form from generation to generation. Instead of an oppressive physical nature, perhaps there could be a different form of machismo regarding social class and race.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, machismo, in the simplest of form, means power and superiority. I think that machismo also has the meaning of being superior to women; it seems men are violent, aggressive, and over masculine to not be seen weak like a woman. Not only, does this type of behavior create a toxic environment, but it also affects women in a very negative way. Like Emma said above, machismo is the cause of rape and sexual assault against women around gangs. Around these men, women are seen as objects to be conquered and taken advantage of. As far as machismo changing from generation to generation, I would say it depends on the type of culture and environment someone grows up in; I would also say it depends on whether an individuals parents agree with that idea or not.
ReplyDeleteI think machismo is the glue that keeps gangs together and shows their superiority. The whole point of masculinity and machismo is to be manly and to never be woman-like no matter what. Machismo is taught at a very young age, boys are always told to never be like a girl and usually there are negative connotations to being feminine. Phrases like " you throw like a girl" or "don't be a pussy" push young men to conform to misogyny.Machismo is the sole factor that you have to prove if you want to be in a gang. You have to prove that you are a man which usually means you either have to steal, rape, or kill someone (usually a woman) so you can be protected by the gang. In Always Running, the men treat women as objects and usually have an aggressive attitude towards them. I think machismo is passed down through generations because of the lifestyles authority figures have; machismo is taught to young boys so they aren't outcasts or targets for bullying. Although it has lessened machismo is still being passed down to the men of the future.
ReplyDeleteAlso side note there is this song called "Dance with the Devil" by Immortal Technique that I think people should listen to because it tells the story of a young man who has to prove himself and go through a gang initiation ( it's graphic though).
The machismo identity has always consisted of values that eliminate the perception of weakness; however, in a modern setting machismo has become associated with the oppression of women. The idea of machismo is similar to its former state because it has always involved superiority. Over time the concept has changed from racial superiority to a feeling of women being inferior. The examples from Always Running are connected because they involve outward displays of “masculinity” including violence, being able to withstand violence, and suppressing emotions. In my own life I have seen fathers scolding their children for playing with a toy firetruck because those are for boys. This seemingly small comment can distort a young child’s perception of what is socially acceptable and lock them into strict gender roles. The problem with modern day machismo is that it tells men that they are always correct and should not even consider the contributions and perspectives of women. Additionally it contributes to the formulation of gender roles that confine women to certain jobs. I do not think machismo varys from generation to generation because it is taught from an extremely young age. The likelihood that someone will eventually do the same to their children.
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ReplyDeleteWhile machismo may have not been solely about manliness for a certain amount of time, I do not feel that it’s ever fully left that part of it behind - and now, I think it’s even more prevalent than when it started. It’s evident that machismo plays a large role in gangs in how members are treated and creates a general atmosphere where any act that isn’t done to make oneself look tougher is looked down upon. I think that the same idea of machismo plays out in day to day life/outside of gangs as well. For example, the line “you’re playing like a girl” is an all-too frequently used phrase in sports that supposedly encourages males to play harder and tougher because playing like a girl is associated with playing “soft,” even when it has nothing to back it up. Additionally, I don’t necessarily think that machismo is a generational characteristic, but rather something that’s passed down through gangs which are generally what is actually generational. Because many family members join gangs that their other family members are in, it becomes de facto that this idea of machismo is placed on to them as well.
ReplyDeleteI believe machismo is prevalent from early on in life. Although it may not be in the exaggerated form as witnessed in Always Running, phrases like "Stop acting like a girl" and "Don't be a baby" are sayings I've even experienced in my early adolescence. I do agree that machismo has definitely changed and developed since the 16th century; however, it's clear it's still deeply entrenched in our nation regardless of class, race, or economic status. As witnessed in Always Running, it's clear gangs value machismo on a much higher level, but I don't think it's solely limited to gang life. Movies, TV shows, and books are perfect examples of how a man and woman should act a certain way to conform to this established binary. For instance, when Luis decides not to commit suicide, he views it as an instance of failure and loss of "manliness" instead of courage and strength. While I do believe in recent years the concept of machismo has been challenged, I do still think that it's still part of our society and way of living.
ReplyDeleteThe following quote about Rano, who at this moment in the text had just gotten jumped and as a result, cried, spoke directly to the theme of machismo culture in gangs: "It was his one last thing to hang onto, his rep as someone who could take a belt whipping, who could take a beating in the neighborhood and still go back risking more..." (25). Machismo in Always Running is an identity that gang members seem to resort to - an identity that serves as their perceived, sole form of self-worth, pride, and impressive reputation. Though the quote doesn't refer to machismo and gender, it refers to machismo and violence, race, and class, a connection that you mentioned in your post when discussing the origins of the term. It's important to discuss the relationship between machismo and gender, which we see in the book, as Emma and others mentioned, through the glorified rapes and incessant objectification of women and conversely, the fierce protection of female family members. It's also important to discuss the relationship between machismo and race and class - a violent intersection stemming from the fight to preserve pride and reputation.
ReplyDeleteThis is Luke's comment, his computer isn't working.
ReplyDeleteThe culture surrounding machismo promotes constant pressure on the males to prove one's masculinity, compelling them toward behaviors that are both aggressive and destructive. This is evident in both their interaction with one another as well as with the women in their community. Between the males, there can be no evidence of weakness, less it be exposed and they become a victim of the more dominant male. Strength is valued above all, and those not in possession of this trait are ostracized or worse. The women that are subjected to this male code of behavior find themselves in a subservient position where they are often times on the receiving end of acts of violence and sexual assault. In this culture that indoctrinates, and throughout their lives reinforces, these messages that ensure the continuation of this behavior of Latino men, these behaviors appear entrenched. Boys are taught to suppress their emotions, understanding at an early age that this is weak and unacceptable. They are challenged to "grow a pair" and "be a man", not appreciating the destruction that those words carry. This narrow and warped definition of strength and what it means to be a man devalues many and ultimately diminishes the community. While messages of male superiority, even domination, are not exclusive to this community, it takes on a more pronounced role in the Latinx community because of their position in a broader society that has sought to emasculate them. The challenge then comes in broadening the idea of strength by redefining those qualities that truly support rather than tear down the people that make up their community. In order to change our societal language surrounding masculinity and celebrate qualities that do not display aggressiveness and superiority. Vulnerabilities and sensitivities are our greatest measure of courage.
Machismo originates in the early stages of youth. To an extent, it is systematically formed and therefore fleshed out in males as time goes on. I think media contributes a whole lot to the machismo idea. Media conditions boys to think they "have" to like a certain thing or act a certain way. In Always Running, the men of the gangs are conditioned to not wimp out in certain situations. They are encouraged to endure a beating in order to be initiated in a game. They need to carry a persona that consists of pride, confidence and no fear. I feel like sometimes these gang members put on their "machismo masks" just to make a solid impression on their peers within the gang. Machismo manifests in different ways; however, it do not believe it changes from generation to generation. I think the negative outcomes/effects of machismo are consistent throughout time.
ReplyDeleteAs we have talked about in class, machismo is a major part of gang culture. I read an interesting article called “Machismo Sexual Identity”. It talked about how males have an “expansive and almost uncontrollable sexual appetite.” It basically said that men assert their dominance through sexual partners including extra-marital affairs and commercial sex workers. I definitely see this being a big part of modern machismo and in "La Vida Loca". Men look at girls as objects to play with or use. Even when girls join gangs, their initiation consist of having sex with a member of that gang. This just shows that while girls may follow the stereotypical description of a tough macho guy, they are still reduced to objects through the initiation process.
ReplyDeleteAs many other people have said, masculinity and rigid ideas about what it should be are at the heart of gang culture. I also think the idea that machismo has roots in race relations is interesting too: the term "macho" itself comes from the Mexican Spanish of the 1920s (according to my online dictionary) and I think it would be cool to discuss why/how it's become the word of choice basically across races when describing this phenomenon.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the manifestation of machismo changes drastically from generation to generation. Obviously times, trends, and technology change, but from what I know, hyper-masculity has always been about violence, braggadocio, and dominance in some way or another. I think it's still a problem that society faces every day– it's not a coincidence that the vast majority of mass shooting perpetrators are young men.