Often defined as aggressive, strong, and unfeeling or stoic. Being masculine means in modern times, at least, no shows of emotion, no flamboyance, no hugging or even looking at other
men, must be interested in sports and physical/violent activity.
What masculine is is simply what a man does. Assuming responsibility for your actions; being sympathetic, sensitive, and caring; and gentleness are perfectly fine for
men. A true man is not a
hard-nosed, violent, overgrown
child; he's a mature, kind individual.
Until the 1800s,
men's dress was about as flamboyant as women's dress, and
men were allowed to show emotion and tears. But their clothing styles sobered and they were taught to be strong, stoic. Affection was still allowed... but as the
world became aware of gays and other sexual minorities, male/male affection was scorned.
