Macho Men Soften in America

Campus Latinos Discuss Role 'Machismo' Plays in U.S. Culture
November 25, 1997
By Nicole Harpole
ECLIPSE contributing writer
Machismo: Reality or Myth?

That question was raised Nov. 12 at a campus forum addressing the effect machismo, exaggerated pride in one's masculinity, has on Latinos who are raised in America. About 25 students attended the forum, which was held in the Stamp Student Union and sponsored by the campus chapter of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. Members of the fraternity said that machismo is as a stereotype prevalent among members of the Latino community. The forum questioned the existence of machismo in Latinos in the United States, suggesting that it may disappear or evolve when people spend time living here.

There was general consensus among the audience members that the role of machismo will definitely change in time because of the influence of American culture. People said that the roles of men and women will become more androgenous as women begin to work outside the home and more men help out with housework. As a result, the division of labor associated with
machismo will be less distinct.

"I think that the roles in the U.S. will change over the next 20 years," said Lorn Hmish, campus alumnus and vice president of the Washington D.C. area alumni chapter of Lambda Upsilon Lambda, Inc. "College men are meeting women in college who will not take [macho behavior]."

Audience members gave their personal definitions of machismo, which varied and included male dominance, disrespect of women, being overprotective, being a provider and being a protector. The range of answers demonstrated how difficult it is to define machismo and how the term can be viewed as positive or negative depending on a person's perspective.

"I look at machismo as being protective, being a provider and looking after the people who you care about," said Juan Sempertegui, a continuing student pursuing a degree in biology and a founding member of the fraternity.

In the last major discussion at the meeting, participants defined equality among the sexes. Many felt that an equal relationship requires a give-and-take approach, each person contributing to the relationship. Others said they feel equality is achieved when each person has the same expectations.
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