Nigerias Rigid Expectations of Men :: essays research papers fc

In September 1997, in Oslo, Norway, a meeting was organize in co-operation with the Norwegian National Commission for UNESCO where international observer B. Mustakim said, Highlighting masculinity may be seen as a way of excusing violent men, since their carriage is attributed to a masculinity which many believe to be "natural" and unchangeable. Georg Tillner, author of Men and Masculinities, responded, Power is the unmatched aspect all variants of masculinity have in common, not necessarily as the real possession of power, but rather as a "demand for dominance" or an "entitlement to power". Masculinity is an identity (Mustakim). Throughout Things Fall Apart, written by Chinua Achebe, masculinity takes an impressive role in molding the clans 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 f amily and friends in that he is unstrained to fight, earn his good reputation, and preserve and expand the honor 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 beginning 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 skill in two inter-tribal wars. At the remainder stages of the novel, Okonkwo yet again attempted 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 doubt 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 vitalit y) one day, they talked about 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 confirm the sight of blood. Thomas Alva Edison, a great inventor, businessman, and true Renaissance man, once said, The successful person makes a habit of doing what the failing person doesnt like to do (Woopidoo). Okonkwo became an important and successful asset to his clan by achieving things in which his father refused to partake.