Gretel Ehrlich's Essay 'About Men'

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“About Men” by Gretel Ehrlich connects to the theme of conformity. In the essay, Ehrlich challenges the stereotypes that are often placed on American cowboys. She attempts to redefine what it means to be a true American cowboy. By doing this, she offers what it means to be an American male as well. In the essay, Ehrlich argues that a real American cowboy is a mix between what we consider to be masculine (a silent and stoic man) and feminine (a caring and gentle nurturer). Ehrlich takes popular stereotypes of the typical American cowboy and debunks them one by one. In her essay, Ehrlich uses casual analysis, imagery, and tone in an attempt to challenge the stereotypes that are often placed on American cowboys by connecting with the theme of …show more content…

In the essay, Ehrlich uses diction vigorously to persuade readers that cowboys are not just the stereotypical tough men they are portrayed to be. The inclusion of words such as “pilgrimage” and “conquest” help to give a new meaning to the essay. In the essay, “pilgrimage” gives the reader the image of a great expedition, while “conquest” produces the idea of power and victory. Ehrlich also creates visual scenes by utilizing specific details in the essay. An example of this is when Ehrlich describes toughness as “weathered skin, calloused hands, a squint in the eye, and a growl in the voice” (3). Throughout the essay, Ehrlich creates visual imagery by describing the physical terrain by which cowboys carry on their work, as well as the cowboys themselves. The explanations she provides about the physical appearance of the terrain and of the cowboys helps to create a vivid picture of who the cowboys are to the reader. Through these explanations, Ehrlich passes a strong message to the audience about how real cowboys are very different than what society expects. In doing so, Ehrlich states that the American notion of heroism is that a man’s value is measured in how much physical courage he has. This idea, Ehrlich argues, has “perverted manliness” (2). In contrast to this popular American idea, a cowboy’s courage is selfless, thus it is a measure of

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