Masculinities Promoted in "Boyz n the Hood"

In the movie “Boyz in the Hood” it’s clear that violence is depicted as extremely masculine. Throughout the film, the women worry about the boys at home, while the men walk through the dangerous streets seemingly looking for trouble. Men not characterized as “hard” or “tough” are not respected by anyone else in the movie. “Doughboy” is seen as extremely tough, and is relatively well known and respected in the hood. On the other hand you have a character like “Little Chris” who is confined to his wheelchair, making him seem vulnerable and weak. Simply the names of the characters shows you how men are supposed to act in “the hood.” “Mad Dog,” “Doughboy,” all of these show masculinity as being a tough, wealthy man.

It’s interesting to see how much the women in the film contrast. It’s always the boys getting in trouble and putting their lives in jeopardy. The women worry and show restrain, where the men are shown as reckless, and at times- just plain stupid! Truly, the roles of men and women in “the hood” are extremely different.