Submitted by Bethanne on Sat, 02/27/2010 - 1:37pm
Pete Dexter and Richard Russo are two of contemporary literature's best, and I've been fortunate to meet them both in person. They are both quite different -- Dexter is sardonic, Russo ebullient; Dexter lives mainly in Arizona, while Russo lives mostly in Maine -- yet they do have a few similarities, including their mustaches and their ways of capturing the American Male.
Ten of you, randomly selected, will receive copies of both Dexter's "Spooner" and Russo's "That Old Cape Magic," as long as you leave an answer below in the Comments to this question:
What's one defining quality or trait of that singular species, The American Male?
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winners:
Lauren T.
Olivia M.
Michele H.
Dawn R.
Roseann K.
Suzanne M.
Rafael F.
Alisa R.
Lisa S.
Richard Russo
Richard Russo discusses his latest book, That Old Cape Magic.
Authors mentioned in this post:
Books mentioned in this post:
one defining trait of the American Male ...
Insecurity.
The American Male...
...is marked by his ridiculous refusal to ask for directions!
American Male
Self-assured!
Sense of humor, real or
Sense of humor, real or imagined, crude or sohpisticated.
Not a clue
If I knew what it was, I would be rich!!! ;-)
A defining trait of the American Male is...
perseverance.
Throughout history, from the Declaration of Independence, through slavery, the Civil War, manifest destiny and the westward expansion, the Great Depression, Sputnik, the Civil Rights movement, Cold War, natural disassters, 9/11, etc., the American male responds to challenge and tragedy with perseverance.
That trait continues today. Blue collar workers, whte collar workers, leaders, ordinary men - all persevere.When times are less than ideal, the American male believes there is a greater purpose, a reason to continue.
The American Male
The defining trait of the American male is his inability to move anything in order to look for something he's missing.
the definitng trait
hmm. i would say a sort of thirst, for adventure or competition or ambition, is the definiting trait of the american male.
Defining trait of the American Male
Rugged.
Defining trait
I would have to say the defining trait of the American male is tenacity. Everything about this country, from its origins to its current societal dialogue, is rooted in the couragous spirit of American men. They don't know the meaning of the word "no" or "can't be done." They will find a way to make it happen, embark on something new and make damn sure the old isn't completely tossed out at the same time. It is this resolute attribute that has caused many to immulate American men around the globe, including their business models and conviction. And while many could argue that this is not necessarily a good thing, there can be little doubt of the American male's impact on this world.
The American Male
in comparison to non-American males, i'd have to say 'rugged', as opposed to refined.
The American Male
I believe in 2010 the American male is now defined by his acceptance of the American female and the role she now plays in the job market. The more that women are in the fields once held by men and the more they start to earn significant salaries will change the responsibilites that were once only male ones. The male, as part of the American household, now has shared income power. A bit of the earning pressure is off him solely as the american woman comes of age.
Defining Trait of the American Male
. . . never asking for directions even when really really really lost in New Jersey.
One defining trait of the American male?
The inability to distinguish laconic self-expression and individualism from clinical depression.
The American Male
Generally, lack the ability to accessorize.
The American Male
Their inability to ask for directions.
American Male
Their huge EGOS!
American Male
...ability to "shrug".
The American Male
A bit of rebel.
The American Male
Someone who knows how to take care of both himself and his family. Someone who takes responsibility for his actions.
The freedom to be who he
The freedom to be who he wants to be and the confidence to let others be who they want to be.
Defining Trait of the American Male
A general ability to stay friends with other men, regardless of how far their lives drift apart. I am continually amazed by men's friendships' longevity, especially the betrayals they are able to look past. I am alternately and simultaneously horrified and awed by this loyalty and ability to connect, regardless of the dysfunction.
defining trait
The need to control what is happening around them.
Defining trait of the American Male
The defining trait of the American Male might be his optimism regarding his life, abilities and future.
In Search of the American Male
Is there really a definitive American Male? Given the melting pot of this country, there doesn't appear to be a single American Male-- how does one combine the California surfer dude, the cowboy of the south, the intellectually insecure New Yorker (never mind the difference among New Yorkers), the new immigrant from Russia or the middle east and versus the immigrant from Asia--
I think the defining aspect of the American male is that he does not exist.
The American Male
More than any other place on earth..being from a melting pot nation I believe the American Male is the most confused of all. As young kids we all look for role models, learning how to act and behave is crucial to psychologic development and a good portion of that is learned through imitation. Age, Culture, Religion, Environment, ...TV Exposure..., Economic Status, etc. play a part of how we interact with each other and in no other place on earth is there so much variety than in America. There is more confusion here than anywhere else.
Ha, great
Ha, great question....
Ultimatly, the son of their mothers...being a son I think is always in their mind.
Defining trait of the American male
I think down deep, American men need to believe they are noble, even heroic. A lot of their childhood play focuses on games were they pretend to be heroic. Later, they lionize the athletes who save the game. They see themselves as family guardians and caretakers, even when the women in their lives earn more money or juggle more responsibility. I guess it's about dignity.
our undying need for
our undying need for attention and beer
our undying need for
our undying need for attention and beer
The American Male
The need to always be right!
Trait of the American Male
No gossiping.
DEFINING TRAIT
A universal handyman expertise.
Defining Trait of the American Male
for many, an eternal (and often charming) boyishness.
They love donut Friday.
They love donut Friday.
The need to compete or to
The need to compete or to watch competition....and sex. Blame the testosterone I guess.
The male is the holder of the
The male is the holder of the remote control!
I was helping a friend move
I was helping a friend move today, and she dragged me to Homegoods while she got stuff for her bathroom. Anyway, at the checkout lane, there was a dispute over an item that she'd found in the Clearance section, so while she went to see if she could find another one, the manager stepped over and started asking me questions about her complaint, to which I replied (while eyes down, on my iPhone), "Dude, I'm just here pushing the cart."
protective behavior love
protective behavior
love love love richard russo.
America's Males
Because I see it even in my ten-year-old American Male: the belief that there's nothing they can't do or that can't be done. This has both its positive and negative aspects. Leads to great innovations and great tragedy (even small tragedy like the 10-year-old's newly broken wrist from snowboarding - but how else is he going to become an Olympian some day?!).
Defining trait of the American Male
false bravado....
The American Male
The American male is an armchair quarterback!
I've read only Russo's EMPIRE FALLS (I know, shame on me, having read only one of his novels!), and nothing written by Pete Dexter (can you believe I'm admitting this?!?)
Would love to win this package - thanks for the opportunity.
Defining trait of the American Male
.....that they still need American Females. :)
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