The GLBTRT has been reviewing books and movies in its newsletter since the early 1990s. Trace the evolution of queer publishing through these historic reviews. This review was originally published in Vol. 4, No. 2, Summer 1992.
The inability or unwillingness of men to articulate emotional expression, and the efforts of writers to define and respond to these problems has spawned a literary cottage industry over the last several years. The main figures in the masculinity movement, Robert Bly and Sam Keen, struggle with the male emotional persona: Bly couches his exploration of father/son synergy in the darker interpretations of the fairy tale Iron John; Sam Keen’s Fire in the Belly appeals to the primal tribal core he feels lies dormant and untapped. in men. The movement toward the rediscovery of masculinity, and the ability of men to communicate within that masculine framework.
Frank Cardelle also maps this territory, with middling results. He provides an overview of man’s inability to express the array of human emotion, what occurred historically and culturally that reinforces this handicap, and what steps each man can take to facilitate change. He asserts that it is quite possible that men can be emotional and sensitive with no loss to masculinity or emotional stability, and uses illustrations of anecdotal case histories gleaned from his work as men’s counselor, as well as moments from his own personal life.
Some of this will come as lightning sharp revelation to some readers, and for them this books should prove helpful. It does not speak to the gay audience – indeed, Cardelle goes to lengths to assure the reader that the embracing of a more sensitive self in no way demeans the masculinity or heterosexuality of the reader.
Many gay readers, after overcoming this small bit of homophobia, will discover that there is little that they did not know, had they but considered the issues. Indeed, some of the revelatory material herein should be readily apparent to all but the most obtusely macho of males. Generally speaking, gay men are much inclined toward self-examination and self-appraisal, and many will have worked through the consideration of sensitivity and male roles. However, for those men who need to learn and not fear self-expression and legitimate emotional response, Cardelle’s book may prove helpful.
Reviewed by Jim McPeak
Lepper Public Library
Lisbon, OH