Performing American Masculinities

This collection highlights the fluidity of masculinity in Americanpopular culture at the turn of the new millennium and beyond by examiningpossibilities for male identity formation. Each chapter mines American popularculture -- theatre, film, literature, music, advertising, internet content, television, photography, and current events -- to pose questions about the processof gender creation and the contestation of masculinities as constantly changingpolitical forms. The first section explores masculinities within late capitalism andincludes studies of Seinfeld, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and realitytelevision. The second section addresses identity when masculinity intersects withrace, religion, disability, and sexuality, including chapters on Barack Obama, theO.J. trial, and popular movies.