Why the Language of Men Has Very Few Words

In Norman Mailer’s “Language of Men,” the protagonist Carter is presented as less masculine than the other (incredibly macho) soldiers. His relation to the men is not dissimilar to that of the stereotypical relation of a wife to a husband, cooking for them and trying to please them but requiring compliments and gratefulness. He even has to stop himself from using a phrase (“work my fingers to the bone”) that is too reminiscent of that relationship. Because Carter’s position is thought of as a feminine role and because he is more feminine than them, the men do not show him the respect that his title and position should afford him. In this way, the story is perfect for examining both the MALE/female binary and the more specific MASCULINE/feminine binary that exists within the male culture (the language of men). This blog post will focus on the latter.

The idea that men should be masculine (a term that is meaningless without stereotypes and gender roles) and should exhibit specific qualities is dangerous and harmful because it leads to discrimination and encourages physicality over intellect and power – even violence – over reason. Both of these tendencies may lead men into feeling trapped and forced into jobs and lives that are not fulfilling. The world needs plumbers and construction workers, honest jobs if that is what one enjoys; but there is also nothing wrong with being an artist, doctor, or member of academia. Unfortunately, the language of men, as presented in the story, does not realistically allow for these choices because that language forecloses them.