Nigerias Rigid Expectations of Men :: essays research papers fc

In September 1997, in Oslo, Norway, a meeting was organized in co-operation with the Norwegian National kick for UNESCO where international observer B. Mustakim said, Highlighting masculinity may be seen as a way of excusing violent men, since their behavior is attri thated to a masculinity which more believe to be "natural" and unchangeable. Georg Tillner, author of Men and Masculinities, responded, Power is the ane aspect all variants of masculinity have in common, non needs as the real possession of power, but rather as a "demand for dominance" or an "entitlement to power". Masculinity is an identity (Mustakim). passim Things Fall apart(predicate), written by Chinua Achebe, masculinity takes an impressive role in molding the coteries male-dominated society, and plays a vital part in influencing characters decisions. In the novel, Achebe reveals the definition of what it means to be a man in Nigerian society he should be masculine and protect his fa mily and friends in that he is willing to fight, earn his good reputation, and preserve and expand the applaud of his family.In Nigerian society, a man was responsible for the protection of his family and friends in that he was willing to fight. No character in Things Fall Apart demonstrated this ideal better than that of Okonkwo. This was apparent in the very lineage of the novel when it is brought to the readers attention that Okonkwo had, at such a young age, already taken two titles and demonstrated undivided learning in two inter-tribal wars. At the closing stages of the novel, Okonkwo yet again essay to protect his clansmen when five court messengers arrive at one of the clans meetings. Without any hesitation, Okonkwo pulled out his machete and killed the head messenger. Okonkwos father, Unoka, however, did not fit the same mold of masculinity as that of his high-achieved son. While Unoka and his neighbor, Okoye, were sharing a kola nut (a symbol of life and vitality) one day, they talked to the highest degree several things including that of the impending war with the village of Mbaino. Unoka did not condone war, but not because he believed that it was barbaric. He was simply a coward and could not stick out the sight of blood. Thomas Alva Edison, a great inventor, businessman, and true Renaissance man, erstwhile said, The successful person makes a habit of doing what the failing person doesnt the likes of to do (Woopidoo). Okonkwo became an important and successful asset to his clan by achieving things in which his father refused to partake.