Representation of masculinity

Representation of white British males differs in This is England, the character Woody, who we are first introduced with, contrasts with Combo, the older skinhead who just got released from prison. Woody is   considered the 'good guy' who takes in Shaun and befriends him. He is shown as fun loving and level headed who makes Shaun laugh because he is being bullied. Woody sticks up for him when the rest of the gang pick on him, and he is considered a father figure for the first 40 minutes of the film.

When Combo is introduced at the party, he becomes the most eledest and dominant  figure. The atmosphere goes quiet and he is standing in the middle of a small crowded room, making him look more powerful and the centre of attention. He holds the power to change the dynamics of the relationships shaun has with Woody and the rest of the gang and changes the tone of the film. Combo is a racist, schooled in the politics of fear and ignorance, and is a representation of the racist element within skinhead culture. His violence is seen as a trait of masculinity, however his leadership roles are corrupt. He says the group has a choice, but when Pukey questions his authority, he attacks him and throws him out of the car. Combo picks on the vunerable to have more power. For example the his 'troops' are mainly only children, he picks on the youth because they are more vulnerable and easily persuaded. Combo takes over from Woody and acts as a father figure towards Shaun, he comforts him in the car saying if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, i'll be there for you. However, Combo contradicts himself later on in the film telling Shaun, 'real men don't cry'.

Woody and Combo both serve as the father figure in Shaun's life, however they do it differently. Woody doesn't push certain ideologies onto Shaun nor manipulate him, whereas Combo does it so he stays in the group. They are both hugely protective over Shaun but Woody does it from afar and his aware of his age, Combo smothers him and treats him like a man. Woody seems more secure in his own identity which is seen as a masculine trait. He never contradicts himself and takes care of the people around him. Combo on the other hand never thinks clearly, his thoughts and actions are contradicting and hurts the people around him without realising the after math. For example, Combo gives Milky a choice to say whether he considers himself Jamaican or English, which is essentially bullying as Milky is forced to say English. When Combo is first introduced he announces he hates bullies. In the last scene, Combo violently beats Milky to death and turns against his own group.