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Gendering imperialism theodore roosevelts quest for manhood and empire

Gendering imperialism theodore roosevelts quest for manhood and empire

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Historical Debate

Gendering Imperialism: Theodore Roosevelt’s Quest for Manhood and Empire

Gail Bederman’s Gendering Imperialism: Theodore Roosevelt’s Quest for Manhood and

Empire is about a young man who assumes an elective position in the government for the first

time. Theodore had turned twenty-three years old when he assumed his position in the assembly

(Cobbs et al. 115). The young man was overflowing with self-importance and ambitious ideas.

However, he was insecure about his manhood. To correct this, he uses the political power he

possessed to refine himself in quest of being the ultimate meaning of manliness. Bederman

portrays how Roosevelt ascended in the political arena. He emphasized the need for white

American men to exhibit their manhood by being the most civilized race, superior and stronger

(121). This is to help them conquer the so-called inferior races.

He looked forward to a brighter political future. However, he was the youngest in the

assembly. He was successful in leadership, and he had the zeal for a brighter future in the

political arena, and he was competent (121). But, he was never taken seriously since even when

he tried his best to play the role of man in politics, those who opposed him scoffed at his

manhood. Roosevelt’s opponents criticized his character, tight fittings, high voice, and fancy

clothing to demonstrate him as a weakling and with less ability.

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This humiliated Roosevelt as it threatened the bright political future he yearned for (116).

The master of public relations affairs expressed the effects of criticism directed to Roosevelt by

those who opposed him in the men-dominated society. Bedernman portrays Roosevelt as a man

who would not keep quiet when his manliness is being impugned. Once he discovered that

Tammany, the legislator, wanted to throw up his political career, Roosevelt's ambitions were

evidently revealed as he swore to God that such an attempt would not allow him to hesitate

aggressive retribution. He would do that in all manner including kicking or biting him. This act

helped Roosevelt to restore his tainted manhood.

His manly character had important roles in the politics of the country. His political

supremacy became clear when he won the New York City Mayor's seat. He was also at the

forefront in pushing America's vigorous masculinity. He pushed hard to demonstrate America's

strength in global politics, including the annexation of Hawaii. Theodore argued that it was

important for the nation to support imperialism. He also argued that there was no room for

laziness in America, and believed that for America to become fully civilized, it was required to

be imperialist and manly (121).

His influence pushed American men to believe in his manly and imperialistic approach,

and the consequence was that the men acted accordingly. Bederman states the war which

America started with Spain to affirm the power of the white men. Roosevelt is also demonstrated

by the author as having been influenced by Kipling who coined ‘The White Man’s burden (118).

Kipling's teachings influenced Roosevelt’s perspective on imperialism.

Racial Imperialism: America’s Takeover of the Philippines

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Surname 1 Name Professor Course Date Historical Debate Gendering Imperialism: Theodore Roosevelt’s Quest for Manhood and Empire Gail Bederman’s Gendering Imperialism: Theodore Roosevelt’s Quest for Manhood and Empire is about a young man who assumes an elective position in the government for the first time. Theodore had turned twenty-three years old when he assumed his position in the assembly (Cobbs et al. 115). The young man was overflowing with self-importance and ambitious ideas. However, he was insecure about his manhood. To correct this, he uses the political power he possessed to refine himself in quest of being the ultimate meaning of manliness. Bederman portrays how Roosevelt ascended in the political arena. He emphasized the need for white American men to exhibit their manhood by being the most civilized race, superior and stronger (121). This is to help them conquer the so-called inferior races. He looked forward to a brighter political future. However, he was the youngest in the assembly. He was successful in leadership, and he had the zeal for a brighter future in the political arena, and he was competent (121). But, he was never taken seriously since even when he tried his best to play the role of man in politics, those who opposed him scoffed at his manhood. Roosevelt’s opponents criticized his character, tight fittings, high voice, and fancy clothing to demonstrate him as a weakling and with less ability. Surname 2 This humiliated Roosevelt as it th ...
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