what we can learn from Mike Tyson about manhood

Within the cultural framework of America, the systemic structure is characterized by White male patriarchy that allows for Black males to have the ability to negotiate the way in which they have been socialized and institutionalized to think, act, and behave because they are men. However, the reality of race and the lack of diversity in the purest sense impede upon this effort and cripple the black male’s ability to truly transition into manhood. He is left to constantly struggle and fight for an identity, for power, for respect, and for understanding of who he is versus what he is projected as: a nigger.

The “nigger” does not exist in a cultural vacuum, but is rather an “expressive of the cultural crossing, mixing, and engagement of Black male culture with the values, attitudes, and concerns of the white majority” (hooks, 1994). The reactionary behaviors and coping mechanisms that manifest from this cultural group may appear incomprehensible to one who is not challenged with an anomalous form of self-awareness defined by a conflicting identity that forces the Black male to view himself through the lens of the dominant culture that does not perceive and does not allow him to function as equal.

Despite all of that Mike Tyson continues to rise, continues to captivate and continues to do these things from outside the confines of White male patriarchal standards. Mike is a mans –man. My godfather played football for the Cleveland Browns with Jim Brown. He once told me that Jim Brown once told him “ at mans core the only fundamental question is; can you whip my ass?” The sheer barbaric nature of the stance of that position in life equates to power beyond measure. Can you whip my ass? If not you hold no dominion over me. I am absolved of your law, your rule, you standards, because inherently you cant whip my ass. And if you can’t whip my ass how could you possibly rule me? Over the years I’ve seen people take shots at mike. I’ve seen comedians make a mockery of his voice and vocabulary, but with all the jokes that mike has provided over the years one fundamental truth remains; most of us cant kick his ass!