Abstract
Traditionally, men have been applauded for being more cerebral and less emotional than women. However, this socially acceptable view of non-emotionalism and cool-headedness has done a disservice to men by impeding the full development of an important part of their personality. More importantly, it can impact negatively on their interpersonal relationships, particularly with women. African American males face the same contradictory pressures. On one hand, they see, hear, and aspire to achieve the dominant images of masculinity held out by the wider society. On the other hand, African American males have faced, directly or indirectly, the emasculating pressures perpetrated against them that prevent them from achieving the stereotypical images of masculinity. In the 1960s Erik Erikson made this observation in his book Childhood in Society. In that book he cites the closed opportunities that many African Americans faced because they were systematically cut off from certain avenues through which they might achieve identity. Erikson pointed out that only three avenues of personhood were held out by society for African Americans.