Hyper – High Strung; keyed up; highly sensitive or nervous and tense.
Masculine – (1) Male, of men or boys (2) suitable to or having qualities regarded as characteristics of men; strong, vigorous, manly.
- Attitude/belief developed primarily from the absence of a positive male role model in a young man’s life.
- Characterized by a lack of understanding regarding actual masculinity.
- Extreme sensitivity and concern with being strong, self-reliant, and virile.
Application
- A pattern of destructive behavior, driven by a strong desire to be accepted by peer groups or sub-culture, that is positively reinforced by a peer group or sub-culture.
- Emulation of negative, misogynistic, familial, environmental, and often cultural images of masculinity
Image and Acceptance
- When individuals, particularly African American males believe that achievement is not attainable, and the culture around them intentionally or unintentionally reinforces these beliefs through marginalization and stigmatization – African American males can become consumed with their image and acceptance.
- These individuals have a tendency to create their own sub-culture or seek the acceptance of other sub-cultures. Often the sub-culture tends to be violent, drug oriented and otherwise antisocial. The rejection felt by these African American males seems to produce a bonding/unifying effect that emphasizes self-fulfillment and immediate gratification, which is typically characterized by outrageous and grandiose behavior.
- The over-emphasis on image and acceptance are fueled by emotional wounds which cause a delayed maturation process, over-emphasis on self and a decreased desire to function in a pro-social manner. African American males will often become obsessed with their image, rather than the substance of who they really are. This obsession with image is characterized by violence, drug use, self-absorption, and immediate gratification.
Manipulation of Anger
Anger is actually a secondary emotion – it is used for the protection of self & others & to control individuals & situations.
- The overuse of an emotion that is more comfortable, predictable, and familiar.
- The emotion that is most closely associated with masculinity.
- Overuse and dependence on anger is usually the result of personal, familial, cultural reinforcement.
- Reliance on anger sometimes originates with a disdain for emotions thought to be less masculine.
- Manipulating anger is an effective method of avoiding accountability for inaction and anti-social behavior.
- Maintenance of an angry “persona” is often the result of a low personal opinion of self, and low environmental expectations.