Bros Before Hos: The Guy Code By Michael Kimmel

Words: 1206
Pages: 5

In “‘Bros Before Hos’: The Guy Code”, Michael Kimmel discusses manliness. Kimmel argues that the acceptance of other men is essential to becoming a true, manly man. The ideas of Kimmel’s essay are effectively portrayed in the film Top Gun, where men in the Air Force compete to see who is the best pilot. Experts have called this film misogynistic. However, that is not all that Top Gun is. Kimmel’s essay creates a list that establishes guidelines to what it takes to become a complete man and even suggests that one may not be a real man unless they can be accepted by other men. This list includes several rules such as: “Don’t get mad, get even,” don’t show any emotional or physical weakness, be aggressive, and most importantly, never cry. The ideas of Kimmel’s essay correlate with themes throughout the film. Top Gun is not interested in the approval of women; only the acceptance of one’s self, father and peers matter when becoming a man. …show more content…
The film begins by blaring classic rock music and showing men flying planes, competing, and challenging enemies. The first few minutes of the film exhibit complete manliness. This film is not welcoming to women. It is not until the viewer first sees a Cougar’s wife and son that weakness is shown; Goose has a wife and son so naturally he isn’t going to make it out alive, and at the end of the film, the most famous pilot in the Air Force gives up the opportunity to work anywhere in the world so that he can be with a woman, who also has sacrificed her dream job so she could marry a flight instructor. When one is able to look beneath the surface, it becomes clear that Top Gun is not