Research the ways in which masculinity is constructed today. Consider how men are portrayed in advertisements, through mainstream movie and TV program characters, and in video games. Is there a crisis in masculinity today? Using advertisements (Internet, TV, and/or print), movies, TV programs, and video games, argue whether there is or is not a crisis in masculinity today. When writing this paper, remember that, unlike sex (male and female), gender (masculinity and femininity) is not natural. It is a performance, based upon how an individual dresses, speaks, acts, moves, etc. Stereotypically, masculinity involves loose clothes, low-pitched laughter and speech (and certain phrases are not used, such as “That’s lovely”), and broad strides. Certain advertisements as well as film, TV, and videogame characters reinforce these stereotypes. However, some go against the masculine stereotype. Based upon your research, are the majority of images and portrayals of masculinity damaging to boys and men? If so, how? If not, how? Provide and analyze specific examples. Include material that analyzes gender construction, such as the films Tough Guise and Game Over and journal articles on masculinity. Topic + Your Position on that Topic = Argumentative Thesis Statement. Remember that your entire paper will be written to support that statement 1. Introduction- draws the reader into the paper 2. Background- gets the reader up to date or basically informed about the topic 3. Support- the largest section of your paper, this is based upon reasons (which you list in your outline) why you take the position that you do and discussions of those reasons with specific examples and research for support 4. Opposition- objectively presents one or two opposing perspectives or perspectives that may differ or disagree with your own position on the issue 5. Refutation of the Opposition- here you criticize the one or two opposing perspectives that you presented in your Opposition section 6. Conclusion- reinforces your perspective on the issue, offering insight and/or providing a look into the future These six aspects are ones that you will need to illustrate, support, and/or enhance with research. To create your Sketch Outline, write a few sentences for each section, 1-6, sketching what, at this point, you would or might place in those sections of your paper. For #1, consider a specific example, situation, quote, statistic, or story that you found in your research to present and discuss in order to get the reader''s attention. For #2, consider any legislation or general history or definition of terms that may be needed for readers to understand the issue. For #3, the Support section, list the reasons why your position on the issue is valid, reasons why you take the position that you do. For #4, the Opposition section, list one or two opposing or differing perspectives. For #5, the Refutation, criticize or argue against the one or two opposing or differing perspectives. For #6, consider a look into the future or another example, quote, statistic, or story that offers further insight into and reinforces your position on the issue.