The Myth of the Warrior: Martial Masculinity and the End of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Citation:

Allsep, L. Michael. 2013. "The Myth of the Warrior: Martial Masculinity and the End of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'" Journal of Homosexuality 60 (2-3): 381-400. 

Author: L. Michael Allsep

Abstract:

The image of the male warrior still dominates military culture, to the exclusion of women and homosexuals. Complicating the picture is a technological revolution that promises to widen the current gap between the myth and reality of the modern warrior even further. Nonetheless, despite long arguing that homosexuals were a direct threat to military culture and effectiveness, the Pentagon has largely treated the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell as a policy matter. The difficulties still experienced by women in the armed services 40 years after they were first incorporated in significant numbers indicates that this response will be insufficient to address the deeper cultural issues. Gender issues implicate deeply held beliefs and values that persist even in the face of years of official admonishment and denial. Unless the military begins to transparently bridge the gap between the myth and reality of the modern warrior, military service without discrimination based on sexual orientation will remain an unachieved goal.

Topics: Gender, Women, Men, Masculinity/ies, LGBTQ, Military Forces & Armed Groups, Militaries, Sexuality Regions: Americas, North America Countries: United States of America

Year: 2013