There is hardly an American male of my generation who has not at one time or another tried to master the victory cry of the great ape as it issued from the androgynous chest of Johnny Weissmuller, to the accompaniment of thousands of arms and legs snapping during attempts to swing from tree to tree in the backyards of the Republic.

Summary

This quote, by American author Tom Wolfe, reflects on the cultural influence of Johnny Weissmuller, who played Tarzan in the 1930s and 1940s. It suggests that many American men of that generation emulated Weissmuller's iconic victory cry and attempts to swing from trees in their backyards. The quote speaks to the impact of popular culture on individuals, highlighting how people often seek to imitate and embody the heroic and adventurous characters they admire. It also underscores the enduring impact of Weissmuller's portrayal of Tarzan, resonating with the collective imagination of American males during that era.

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