Final answer:
The idea of African masculinities being 'in crisis' is multifaceted, with literature and anthropology providing nuanced explorations. Works like Daniel Jordan Smith's and Sundiata's epic counter.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of African masculinities being 'in crisis' is a complex issue that has been explored through various lenses, including literature and anthropology. According to Daniel Jordan Smith's anthropological work, masculinity within Igbo communities in Nigeria is an ongoing project where men constantly strive to meet societal expectations, such as proving economic worth and dominance in romantic relationships. This reinforces the idea that gender identities are not just ascribed but performed and negotiated throughout life.
When examining masculine agency in literature, characters such as those in Hemingway's works often replace lost masculinity with symbolic tools, indicating a struggle and adaptation to cope with changing times and circumstances. Meanwhile, stories like Sundiata reveal a valorized form of masculinity where leadership, unity, and empire-building are central. This counters the idea of a uniform crisis, showing how masculinity can be conceptualized in empowerment and positive transformation.
Furthermore, the portrayal of fatherhood among the Aka suggests that masculinity can also be closely associated with nurturance and care, challenging the stereotype of the distant, uninvolved male parent. Thus, Sundu's story and others depict a multifaceted vision of masculinity that is not necessarily in crisis but is instead representative of the diverse ways masculinity can be expressed and understood within African contexts.