It has been suggested that African American males emphasize ''being co
ol'' in behavior and attitude due to their lack of socioeconomic or po
litical power. Given the historical and cultural connection between Af
rican Americans and United States Latino groups (e.g., Puerto Ricans),
a brief theoretical exploration of the relationship between ''machism
o'' and ''cool pose'' is conducted. It is suggested that both ''mascul
ine postures'' can be used to design empowering psychological interven
tions in clinical, community and policy areas. Such masculine postures
am examined as socioeconomic and historically related psychosocial su
rvival mechanisms with both adaptive and maladaptive features. The pos
itive features could be used to devise ''inclusive curriculums of dive
rsity'' which might make schools, AIDS/HIV prevention and substance ab
use treatment more relevant to males of color. Maladaptive features co
uld similarly be identified to channel male youth into more constructi
ve and empowering behavior.