Does anyone remember those Super Bowl commercials two weeks ago? Some were funny. Some were… well, not.

But the majority of them were just violent, and for no apparent reason. Many women did watch the Super Bowl, but advertisers read the demographics to make sure they appeal to the crowd — in this case, men. What does that say about manhood today? Violence and aggression are the only things that appeal to men?

This is one of the stereotypes that does more harm than good to us as men. Society has taught us to be strong; to show no emotion even in the worst of times. Just look at the recent emotions shown by Vice President Dick Cheney. Even after shooting his hunting pal Harry Whittington, he chose not to speak about what happened until more than 72 hours passed. Cheney is known to not like the media, so I guess he felt he was being a man by telling the public about what happened on his own terms. Men also are supposed to be powerful, so I assume he didn’t want to show his emotions because that would make him look weak. But does that really make him look like a man?

These two incidents are examples of how manhood is defined in America (and possibly throughout the world). In his book, “Who’s Gonna Take the Weight?” hip-hop activist, public speaker and acclaimed writer and journalist Kevin Powell shed light on the subject.

“More often than not, [manhood] is based on conquest, subjugating, dominating and abandoning others, while paying no further price,” Powell said in his book. “Men are applauded for their machismo, their grit, their toughness. Show any level of sensitivity, shed a tear or two in public, display any feelings that have nothing to do with winning, and you are reduced to being a ‘sucker’ … .”

Would a Super Bowl commercial featuring a man crying and talking about his bouts with depression have aired on TV? Would we be able to accept that Hines Ward (star wide receiver for the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers) would openly cry on national TV for something other than winning the championship? And, are we willing to accept the consequences of men continuing to suppress those emotions?

According to an article on WebMD’s Web site, studies show suppressing emotions of grief or depression can “lead to complications such as escalating anger, aggressiveness and substance abuse. Physical symptoms may include increased cholesterol levels, ulcers, high blood pressure, and pain.” Anger can at times lead to violence, which could be the real reason men seem to be so prone to such actions. It’s not a sign of just being mad. It could mean this person is actually depressed.

The stereotypes men face are detrimental to us all. The effects of those stereotypes are more far-reaching than just bad commercials during a Super Bowl.