"Masculinized Sexuality"

This week, the assigned readings were regarding masculinity and the cultural scripts that tell men how to be a "man." Something that was also discussed in the readings was compulsory heterosexuality, where the assumption that heterosexuality is normal and universal.  In the Brooks reading, he talked about the "centerfold syndrome" and how it is just as damaging to men as it is women and went on to identify 5 different elements that contribute to  this: 1) voyeurism, 2) objectification, 3) need for validation, 4) trophyism, and finally 5) fear of true intimacy. Finally, in class we talked about the main concepts of masculinized sexuality, which I will reference in regards to the following images (writing out another 13 concepts seems a little ridiculous). 

Artifact 1: Here is a picture of Hugh Hefner and his multiple girlfriends right before his annual Midsummers party. Here, I can identify at least two concepts discussed in class: heterosexuality and quantity. But before I get into that, it must be said that Hugh Hefner is an icon in popular culture, and while there has never been any doubt about his sexuality, this photo encompasses his heterosexuality, since he has eight barely dressed women on his arms.  Quite a large number of young women, especially since Mr. Hefner is old enough to be their grandfather, if not great-grandfather. Lastly, going back to Brooks five elements of the centerfold syndrome, Hugh has managed to objectify these women, as well as the women in his magazine. They are all trophies, not to mention a sign of Mr. Hefner's reluctance to be intimate and show emotion--if you have more than one, you don't feel the need to have an emotional connection, cause you can essentially get it from whomever, whenever. 

Artifact 2: In class, we watched a video documentary about wrestling and it's effects on American culture and society; specifically about "how to be a man," how it contributes to society's homophobia, and domestic violence. This  image is in reference to wrestling and homophobia. It is clear from the image that the man on all fours is being feminized and put into a "bitch" position, while the man grabbing on to his waist is the dominant alpha male, putting the other man in his place. 

Artifact 3:  One of the themes of masculinized sexuality is men and their conquests, and the game of cat and mouse. If you have seen the film, Cruel Intentions, then you know that Ryan Phillippe is trying to persuade Reese Witherspoon's character into having sex with him, so he can when a bet with his step-sister and be able to have his way with her. Ryan's character is notorious for his number of conquests and he enjoys the challenge of playing the aggressor chasing after the coy and innocent virgin. 

Artifact 4: This is an image from a Calvin Klein cologne ad. I chose it because the male model is displaying several different aspects to the idea of masculinized sexuality: sexually available, self focused, constant interest in sex, and a lack of emotional intimacy. The model is shirtless, with his pants undone, his underwear showing, and a wearing a facial expression that is stoic-esque. Brooks referenced the idea of the centerfold syndrome and the how men have a fear of intimacy. This model has supressed any feelings of emotion or vulnerability, which is a classic sign or symptom of Gary Brooks' centerfold syndrome. 

Artifact 5: Finally, we have an image of Ryan Seacrest and two painted ladies on his arms. As mentioned in a previous blog, painted ladies are women that are in body paint with nothing else on their bodies. This picture reflects the most commonly known male fantasy of threesomes, with the male and two other females. It can be assumed that Mr. Seacrest's companions are satisfying his need for validation. Both these women are very attractive, and as Brooks mentions, the more attractive the woman or women, the more validation power she has.