Having seen this documentary in my intro Sociology course, I was again struck by the weight and affect the film 'Tough Guise' carries. Even the title is remarkably expressive and descriptive; the word 'guise' is so applicable in this situation, for, as the film demonstrates, toughness, violence, and aggression are simply disguises that men are forced to adopt. It is so easy to assume (and I am guilty of this too) that men who do wrong as a result of their masculine egos are at fault, for they should simply control themselves. But the film revealed the fact that conforming to stereotypes and typical behaviors is not a choice or option; it is something that simply occurs because we, as humans, have a tremendous need and ability to adapt. One of the most basic and primal desires of people is to be accepted and respected, and this manifests itself in the 'tough guise.' As a result, the tendency to adapt, mimc, and follow along with this gender performance (as I would agree it is indeed a performance) is strong.
I was particularly interested in one claim the narrator made, that "violence isn't a deviation," rather a "norm of masculinity." This point suggests that violence is a completely normal and expected aspect of society and manhood. As men are constantly having to prove themselves, their masculinity, their strength, toughness, callousness, and heterosexuality, they may focus less on their individuality. We see this constantly in gangs and other like groups, where the mentality is so strong that one loses sight of oneself in the struggle to emulate the desired behaviors of the group. And, as a result, the learned behaviors become the norm, just as the documentary suggests that violence is not a deviation. This fact is very concerning, and, I believe, is at the cornerstone of the documentary.
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