Manhood and Wallace

While there are many parallels between what we read in Code of the Street and The Wire, I thought the strongest resemblance was between Wallace and the concept of manhood. Anderson explains that on the street manhood requires an individual to be somewhat ruthless. By acting ruthless a person sends the message that they are capable of violence, which proclaims that they can take care of themselves. Additionally, Anderson explains that, “For many inner-city youths, manhood and respect are two sides of the same coin; physical and physiological well-being are inseparable, and both require a sense of being in control, of being in charge” (91). In sum, manhood is the showing others that you are in control and unforgiving. If you display these traits you earn respect from other men on the street.

In episode 6 of The Wire, we are given an inside look into Wallace’s life. He seems to be the caregiver to multiple children while, at the same time, working for D’Angelo. After seeing the dead body of Brandon, Wallace is a visibly disturbed. In a very tender moment, he shares his compassion for Brandon with D’Angelo. Immediately D’Angelo reminds Wallace to toughen up and no longer discuss his feelings. In those quick ten seconds you witness D’Angelo describing Anderson’s concept of manhood to Wallace. If Wallace wants to be respected and known for his manhood he must put those compassionate feelings behind him and show a strong outer self. Even if Brandon’s beat up body does affect Wallace he needs to act ruthless in order to be taken seriously on the street.