Premium Essay

Masculinitu

In: English and Literature

Submitted By estaszewski
Words 1715
Pages 7
Masculinity; Not Something for the Average Joe Take one look at a male biker, bodybuilder, or surfer and see if you can’t avoid at least some feeling of intimidation. Most people, men in particular, cannot overcome this challenge. The majority of men, despite what they may say, can’t help but to develop a sense of discomfort when put in the presence of these distinct figures. But what gives these iconic men such an intimidation factor? Is it a physical characteristic such as huge biceps or an abundance of tattoos? Or could it be an inner quality like the carefree, rebellious mindset shared by these men? Perhaps the source lies beyond internal and external traits. Maybe we shouldn’t be so interested in these people, but rather the surrounding components that define them as bikers, bodybuilders, and surfers. These can be identified as the motorcycles, surfboards, dumbbells, and accessories that make these men who they are. It is through these machines that an overwhelming amount of masculinity can be depicted as the result of superhuman performances and accomplishments caught on camera, leaving other men questioning their manliness and inspiring a desire to achieve such a level of masculinity. The W170 Bodies in Motion: Surfers, Bikers, and Bodybuilders Photo Archive contains numerous pictures that give a closer look at these groups. One of these photos features a group of about eighteen bikers standing around their motorcycles, unaware of the picture being taken. By including their bikes in this picture, the entire image is shifted. The motorcycles instantly classify these people as “bikers” and the distance separating the viewer from the actual group labels them as a private motorcycle club or “gang”. This along with the common association between biker gangs and deviant activities cause many assumptions to be made by the viewer. This relates to Judith

Similar Documents