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''Machismo'' is a noun of Spanish origin, and refers to a prominently exhibited or excessive Masculinity . The word ''machismo''—and its derivatives ''machista'' and '''''macho''''', "he who espouses ''machismo''"—comes from the Spanish word ''macho'', meaning "male" or "manly". (The word ''macho'' literally translates as " Male ", but is applied primarily to animals in this sense.) In Spanish ''macho'' can sometimes mean " Courageous " or " Valorous ", although ''machista'' rarely has such positive connotations. As an attitude, machismo ranges from a personal sense of virility to a more extreme Masculism . Most ''machistas'' believe in Conservative Gender Role Ideas . Generally speaking, ''machistas'' oppose a woman's right to work, participate in sports, or pursue other traditionally male roles in society. Many ''machistas'' also believe it is their right as men to seek extramarital adventures, although women are to remain faithful. ''Machistas'' believe that women were created to stay home and be mothers and wives. Thus, most ''machistas'' believe firmly in the superiority of men over women. Some acts of Domestic Violence against women have been committed by men who consider themselves superior to women, whereby the doctrine of ''machista'' such violence may often be called appropriate or justified. The most common Spanish term for a woman with exaggerated feminine pride is ''feminista'' (as in "s''. In Mexico, the term used for this type of woman is ''mari-macha'' (i.e. both Maria and Macho). MACHISMO AROUND THE WORLD Machismo, of course is not only a feature of Hispanic culture. Depending on the country, ''machistas'' are viewed with either respect or with disdain. In Mexico , many men consider it an honor to be called a ''machista''. The Mexican actor Andrés García has long been pointed to as a typical example of the Mexican ''machista'' man. In Peru , talk show host Laura Bozzo (''Laura en América'') spends a good number of her shows exposing ''machista'' men and teaching them a lesson. In many cultures, from Latin America to Korea to countries of the Muslim world, ''machismo'' is acceptable and even expected. In 2004, the Spanish government and Spanish media began to take on the entire concept of machismo, linking it directly to a spate of notorious Domestic Violence crimes perpetrated by men against their own wives or female companions. In American literature, a memorable example of machismo comes from Tennessee Williams ' character Stanley Kowalski , the egotistical brother-in-law in '' A Streetcar Named Desire ''. In the play (and in the motion picture), Stanley epitomises the hyper-masculine Alpha Male , socially and physically dominating and imposing his will upon his wife and her sister, Blanche Dubois . Bound up with Stanley's aggressive and occasionally Misogynist views is a strong sense of Pride and Honour which leads to his hatred of Blanche. SEE ALSO
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