Men always has been associated with certain common characteristiques that would define them as being masculine. The typical stereotype that western cowboys are referencing is often associated with masculinity. Perhaps, Brock back Mountain by Annie Proulx, one of the most famous modern Western story challenge masculinity and sexuality of the main protagonists being Jack and Ennis. While these characters are looking to improve their manhood, this latter is put on a test by their sexuality.
The story of BrockBack Mountain challenge masculinity by: Being homophobic in western countries is unacceptable, how relationship and fatherhood is represented in the story, and the issues that Enny’s meet to accept himself. Brockaback Mountain describes the sad reality and attitudes that society have against homosexuals. In the western Countries, homosexuality is seen as being weak and so seen in a bad way by the society. The relationship that Ennis and Jack secretly have impact the people around them. Both are quite hesitant by their little secret but unable to resist of each other. As secret as they try to be, their family and people in their town realized at a point the truth.
Being seen to act or behave differently trough sexuality would results to harsh results and would cause severe consequences. As a matter of fact, an example that states exactly what their future will be if they stay no longer together was a memory of Ennie’s dads showing him a homophobic guy dead and left in the desert. Giving affection towards another man would challenge masculinity