ABSTRACT
Curry indicates that some contemporary theories of Black men are polarized and consistent with the notion of the good versus bad Black man, further feeding into the inherent racism and discrimination that has plagued the Black community. In addition, despite these compensatory behaviors, some Black men will never achieve the status of the White man with regards to power and privilege despite being in a patriarchal society. Hypermasculinity has been linked to lack of intimacy and poor relationships. The present study explores limitations of intersectionality in understanding masculinity in Black men and discusses the systemic effects of oppression, racism, and the process of socialization on some Black men. The expression of their emotions as it relates to their experiences and the impact on relationships, intimacy, and their sense of manhood is also examined.
