What is "masculinity"? What are "masculinities"? What defines these concepts? Use examples from Orwell's 1984 as well as those drawn from popular culture, literature, advertising, and so forth to furnish your response.
Often, there is a general consensus between certain peoples of a society, which leads to the development of a concept. Common present day internet terms resemble this, such as 'haters', 'lol', 'troll', etc. These net terminologies surfaced through adaptation by a plethora of people in the net community. It would not have been possible for it to become mainstream without the aid of this community support. Another aspect that should be considered is that the meaning of these terms are also derived from the community's perception of them. With these observations I come to the conclusion that 'masculinity' is also has it's concepts and principles drawn from society. It is an expectation of men that is imposed and has no real definition other than the implied definitions that we get from our peers. For example, one person may think of masculine being in a person's features, in terms of appearance, whereas another would think personality and actions. However, the combination of both can also occur. The main idea is that there are different interpretations of masculinity, but there are a few main principles that society constantly throws at us citizens through pop culture, media, and other forms of communications. I will be writing about a few of them.
First, let's address George Orwell's 1984 briefly. Does it not occur to one that the party in power is named Big Brother? Is it not intriguing that the group that the Thought Police want to eradicate named The Brotherhood? Why Brotherhood and not Sisterhood or Big Sister? I feel as if these imply that men are meant to be in a higher status of control and are a symbol of action. This can be related to masculinity. A general assumption when looking at the ideal man is one who exerts action and one who also steps up to right the wrong. It may be also assumed that men should have an aura of control, whether it be work or family. This is also another implication laid out by society and contribute towards the definition of masculinity. However, there are many other things that outline masculinity and are not in the form of text, but auditory as well.
First, let's address George Orwell's 1984 briefly. Does it not occur to one that the party in power is named Big Brother? Is it not intriguing that the group that the Thought Police want to eradicate named The Brotherhood? Why Brotherhood and not Sisterhood or Big Sister? I feel as if these imply that men are meant to be in a higher status of control and are a symbol of action. This can be related to masculinity. A general assumption when looking at the ideal man is one who exerts action and one who also steps up to right the wrong. It may be also assumed that men should have an aura of control, whether it be work or family. This is also another implication laid out by society and contribute towards the definition of masculinity. However, there are many other things that outline masculinity and are not in the form of text, but auditory as well.
Music has had an extreme impact on views on men and once again lay many implications. One of the major contribution from what I believe is modern, mainstream, pop music. A popular idol of mine and probably many others is Chris Brown. Take a look at some of his songs, a lot are related to the sexual pleasures a man can place upon a woman. They indirectly suggest that men should be able to make women feel good and that is a part of masculinity as well. It is not only seen in Chris Brown's songs. Additionally, there are many other mainstream artists that address the ability of a man pleasuring a woman. On a different note from sexual pleasure, there are also artists like Nicki Minaj who talk about a man's physical appearance. A line from the rap in her song Super Bass says, "I like you better with the fitted cap on."
Appearance is an essential factor in many peoples' views on masculinity. It is still not generally accepted for a man to dress in a skirt or anything frilly, as it apparently decreases his masculinity. However, sitting in the AQ area of the Burnaby SFU campus, I overheard a few girls talking about their ideal guy. They were talking about how one of their acquaintances or friend was very muscular. His possession of a good build led the girls to say that they wanted to get in a relationship with him. They then talked about another guy, who had lacked the build. One of the girls even stated, "Him? Why would I date him? He's so skinny and he has no muscles." Therefore, another measure of masculinity may be their level of muscle. I have talked to friends before and most of them wanted muscle to attract women as well.
Looking at all these factors, there is no actual definition for masculinity. However, it may be defined by society, but since each individual may have a different perspective on the meaning of masculinity. As a result of this, I feel as if it does not have one solid guideline or concept that truly solidifies its meaning.
Works Cited
Orwell, George. 1984. Ontario: Penguin Books, 2008. Print
Looking at all these factors, there is no actual definition for masculinity. However, it may be defined by society, but since each individual may have a different perspective on the meaning of masculinity. As a result of this, I feel as if it does not have one solid guideline or concept that truly solidifies its meaning.
Works Cited
Orwell, George. 1984. Ontario: Penguin Books, 2008. Print
Well done, Sherman! This is an excellent engagement of the gendered stereotypes about masculinity at work in our society. You provide a number of useful examples and clever observations. I am particularly impressed by your statement that we learn 'masculinity' from implied definitions from our peers. :)
ReplyDeleteWhere this post could improve, however, is in your engagement with this issue in relation to Orwell's novel. I would like to see a more in-depth discussion. How do Winston and Julia fit into their respective gender roles?