One topic we discussed in class that caught my attention was hegemonic masculinity. I really enjoyed the activity when we went through the fitness magazines. I agree that it is important to get plenty of physical exercise but when does the line get crossed? In society today women prefer men that are toned or ripped. I just think these magazines that are meant to help men get fit are completely ridiculous. To achieve results of masculinity seen in these magazines numerous supplements are required or even steroids. It is not natural for somebody to be as big as men in these magazines. If you go to the rec center and see people who have huge muscles they tend to have a lot of acne and stretch marks over their body. This is a common sign of steroid use or working out too much. I believe society has built this image of Hegemonic Masculinity that a man is supposed to look like and it isn't realistic. A man should still be considered inferior if they are in shape and work out. You shouldn't have to have muscles bulging out of your shirt to be considered inferior. Since muscles are such a sign of dominance there will never be a limit to how big someone should get which will cause many people to take steroids and other supplements that will eventually hurt their bodies.
First, I would like to say that the guy in your picture doesn't look comfortable to be as big as he is. It looks like he is looking at himself like, "What happened, it started off as an innocent cycle. Now I'm addicted to steroids and spiraling out of control...." However, on a more serious note, society has instilled this image of masculinity into the heads of the inferior. Dominance shouldn't be determined by one's stature, it should be noticed because of one's respect amongst their peers. Magazines are one way for society to gauge their silhouette and compare their measurement. But, we as people must notice the difference between in shape and insane, and come to terms with our figure.
ReplyDeleteNick, this is so true. The guy in the picture at the top just looks ridiculous. How much is too much? Just imagine the muscle cramps that guy must get. The fitness magazines now a days have a few pages here and there that explain how to get fit and stay in shape where as the ENTIRE magazine is an advertisment to buy some kind of supplements. I believe it has almost gotten to the point where people buy the magazine just to shop for there supplements instead of buy a "fitness" magazine to stay "fit." However, describing the people at the rec makes for some good people watching.
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