When I read the term "masculinity" my mind automatically jumps to the thought of a stereotypical man. The men that are portrayed on TV to be the hero, jock, and 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 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. How often do you hear the term "alpha male" applied 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's it's pale, thin, and weak. (Orwell 128) Now thinking of the term masculine and Winston's view of his body, they don't seem to go hand in hand.
Now 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 yet that seems to slip our minds and we begin trust our preconceived notions. In ordinary life, men who are married feel as though they have 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's 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 suppose to look like, women are taking charge. They're working in jobs, that would be considered a male field such as policeman, or plumbers. They're going after what they want, and it's come to the point where they ask the men out, or to get married. So why is it that when we think of masculinity our mind goes straight to the hero's, jocks, or even cocky big shots?
Work cited: Orwell, George. 1984 . London: Penguin. 1949.
Work cited: Orwell, George. 1984 . London: Penguin. 1949.
Dictionary.com. IAC Corporation, 1995. Web. 14 November 2011.
Good work, Tisha! This is a very good analysis of the gender issue as it appears in our culture - you highlight a number of crucial factors in how this gender role is defined and communicated to us today. Where this post could improve, however, is your engagement with the gender issue in Orwell's novel. What do you think Orwell is trying to achieve by given his male protagonist such a 'feminine' characterization?
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