When I read the term "masculinity" my mind automatically jumps to the thought of a stereotypical man. The men that are portrayed on TV as the hero, the jock, or even the cocky big shot. The definition of masculinity given by dictionary.com is defined as "pertaining to or characteristic of a man or men." With such a vague explanation of the term, where is the line drawn between what is a characteristic of man and what is not without thinking through a stereotype.
In George Orwell's 1984, "Big Brother" ultimately holds absolute power in Oceania because of this "Big Brother” comes across as being the alpha male. This can be seen as being a masculine trait; when it comes to power males generally carry more of it. Think of presidents for example, there have been more males in power in comparison to females. How often do you hear the term "alpha male" in regards to a female? For me it's rare. While everyone else has to abide by the rules of the Inner Party, which forbids free thought, sex, and individuality, Winston feels frustrated with the oppression given by the party. He also feels insecure about his body image, stating that it's pale, thin, and weak (Orwell 128). With Winston being the protagonist, and possessing ‘feminine’ characteristics rather than the typical masculine ones, it shows that the term masculinity is not set in stone or has a clear definition. Orwell is able to prove that not all masculine characters have to be a stereotype, but instead just a character.
When it comes to advertisements and media men are often depicted as being physically fit, with a perfect smile and wash board abs. From what is viewed on advertisements and billboards, those qualities of the "perfect" yet photo shopped men begin to mold the term of masculinity. If for example you witness a man doing something that could be considered feminine such as ballet, often he would be viewed as not very masculine. However, because of the vague term of masculinity, participating in ballet requires an immense amount of strength. That seems to slip our minds and we begin trust our preconceived notions of what we believe to be masculine. In ordinary life, men who are married feel as though they need to be the provider of the family because they are the male of the house. Another prime example is how masculinity comes across as men being tough and when a small glimpse of sensitivity shines through everyone seems to pounce on it as if it's a flaw, or not allowed.
High school is the place where the stereotype of being masculine is considered the most. The guys who seem to get all the girls, the ones who play sports, or even the class clowns, they're the ones who are looked at and who mold the definition. It seems as though the males are the ones who have to ask the girls out, or ask their hand in marriage like it's written in some kind of handbook, "the rules to be a man." In spite of all these assumptions of what masculinity is supposed to look like, women are taking charge. They're working in jobs that would be considered a male field such as policemen, or plumbers. They're going after what they want, and it comes to the point where they ask the boys out, or be the one to propose. So why is it that when we think of masculinity our mind goes straight to the hero's, jocks, or even the cocky big shots?
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