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Essay / A misconception of gender individuality in today's society
This is seen in the difference between men and women having masculinity, men and women having femininity; and finally, how sexuality can coexist with gender identity and how it has evolved in today's society. First, masculinity can be perceived in different ways. A general definition of masculinity is “having qualities traditionally attributed to men” (Definition of Masculinity). Men are seen as tough, emotionless creatures who can take whatever the world throws at them; but in reality, many women also possess these characteristics. When a man exhibits this characteristic of being masculine, he is automatically considered by society to be sexually attractive. On the contrary, if a woman presents the characteristic of being masculine, she is perceived as brutal and unattractive. Hypermasculinity “is the exaggeration of behavior stereotypically considered masculine” (Planned Parenthood). This characteristic is commonly associated with men and "as well as some lesbians and female-to-male transgender people" (Planned Parenthood).