Essay Basics: Definition Lesson

When introducing the definition essay to my students, I show them the film, "Tough Guise." This is a documentary by Anti-Sexist Activist, Speaker, Author, Film-maker, Jackson Katz. It basically reads like a definition essay; it's very simple to follow. The thesis is clear, he lays out his main points in an organized manner, and his evidence and explanations fall under the proper points.

Further, while the film is dated (1999), his thesis is worth considering and creates debate in the classroom, thus evidencing how a concept (definition) is subjective. Katz's film attempts to define contemporary trends in "normal" masculinity and how we acquire and are conditioned to that "violent masculinity." Definitely worth a look.

My students follow the unedited version film with the questions below; we ultimately end up with a kind of outline after the questions are complete.

If you want to follow this particular lesson with an example of a definition essay, this one (click here) on "patriotism" is nicely laid out in outline form, followed by an sample essay on the topic.

See the questions for "Tough Guise" below:

Questions for “Tough Guise” by Jackson Katz

1. What is the documentary’s thesis? Identify Katz’s main argument.

2. Who benefits from examining masculinity as defined by Katz?

3. According to Katz, what images of masculinity does the media offer as normal?

4. How do dominant groups remain invisible and unexamined?

5. What is hidden when the passive voice is used (i.e. “Women were raped …”)?

6. Why did the film, “Thelma and Louise,” cause such a stir?

7. Katz claims that media representations illustrate what’s going on in society. What does he say the changes in representations of the body illustrate?

8. What social movements rose in the 50’s & 60’s to challenge the dominant white heterosexual male power and privilege?

9. What is the “backlash” that Katz defines?

10. What does Katz say “feminism” is?

11. How does gay bashing maintain a strict definition of “heterosexuality”?

12. What did the Apollo Creed/Mohammad Ali character in Rocky threaten?

13. Are images in the media accidental? Who chooses them?

14. Katz claims that masculinity is performed in response to social and cultural pressures. What does Katz mean by “masculinity is performed”?

15. Why do young white men “act black”?

16. What is sexualized violence?

17. Does Katz claim that violence against women is natural? What do media representations of masculinity encourage men to do?

18. According to Katz, men are not “islands unto themselves” like the Marlboro man. How do such representations affect men’s emotional and mental health?

19. How can portrayals of men include aspects of vulnerability?

20. Can you identify any media representations of men being vulnerable?

21. How does Katz redefine courage?