For generations, Hollywood has defined what masculinity means in the U.S., with iconic screen figures such as John Wayne. But Wayne's stoic, taciturn image was the product of a complicated relationship with the director John Ford, one that offers different lessons about masculinity and its constraints. As scandals about men and their behavior fill the news, we discuss the legacy of John Wayne and other male screen icons. Our cohosts are joined by Atlantic staff writer Megan Garber and Stephen Metcalf, author of the story "How John Wayne Became a Hollow Masculine Icon."

Links:

- "How John Wayne Became a Hollow Masculine Icon" (Stephen Metcalf, December 2017 Issue)

- "Masculinity Done Well and Poorly" (James Hamblin, September 25, 2017)

- "The End of Men" (Hanna Rosin, July/August 2010 Issue)

- "Angry White Boys" (Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, August 16, 2017)

- "Toxic Masculinity and Murder" (James Hamblin, June 16, 2016)

- "Does Masculinity Need To Be 'Reimagined'?" (Erik Hayden, September 21, 2010)

- "How Hollywood Whitewashed the Old West" (Leah Williams, October 5, 2016)

- "Hollywood Has Ruined Method Acting" (Angelica Jade Bastién, August 11, 2016)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Wayne, Donald Trump, and the American Man