Masculinity is defined as; possession of qualities
traditionally associated with men. “handsome, muscled, and driven, he’s a prime
example of masculinity.”
Some synonyms for masculinity include manliness, machismo,
ruggedness, and strength. These are words I wrestled with as a teenage male in
the early 2000’s. Society told me manliness was many different things but it
never seemed to be what I wanted it to be and I often found myself trying to
fake it. Manliness was working-out, guns, getting women, cars, sports, and of
course drinking! WOOO…I guess? I’ve always loved working-out and sports,
competition always seemed to push me and I always enjoyed that however, I never
had any real creative outlet, I don’t really think too many males I grew up
with had a real creative outlet. If you were into any sort of art you were
considered “gay” by your peers and segregated on a social level.
I used myself for my photo project and decided to
incorporate my pro-wrestling training into it for more creative potential.
Being in the ring signifies constantly wrestling with what society says
masculinity is supposed to be. The heart around the eye and the pig tail on one
side represent general confusion during those character building years while
the camo shorts and American flag bandana stand for the Patriotism we are also
told is manly and rugged. There were a few pictures taken for my project, I
basically did a series that starts with this picture and ends with a picture of
myself on my knees in the middle of the ring with smeared paint on my face, a
ripped sign in front of me, with me looking up at the camera and “flipping it
off” …it signifies a personal end to confusion and the way I thought it had to
be as well as the beginning of something new and living life the way I want.
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2 comments:
From Kelsie:
This photo caught my attention quickly while scrolling through the blog. I like how Chris placed himself in a ring to symbolize himself trying to fit into a box of characteristics society has set to be considered a real man. Chris incorporates a lot of different ideas in his photo including going against gender norms, and societies ridiculous ideas of masculinity. Going against gender norms, or not living up to societies expectations, can make an individual very vulnerable to negative remarks. When a person wrestling or fighting gets cornered, they become vulnerable in the fight. I think placing yourself in the corner of the ring symbolizes vulnerability in both boys and men. Men have a lot of expectations given from the society we grow up in including, strength, power, sports, and even their ability to seduce women. If a man doesn’t fit these expectations, they could be scolded, bullied or out casted. I am a woman, but I cannot imagine growing up with these expectations. The sign Chris holds saying, “Are you proud yet?” is very emotional. I imagine men growing up trying to meet these standards and being knocked down by peers or parents when it was not always attainable. Constantly trying to live up to these expectations must be exhausting, which is why I think his sign perfectly illustrates these challenges. These ideals should not be what defines a man. They should not have to fit into this perfect mold, but instead be able to flourish by pursuing their own interests that are not influenced by today’s standards and social media.
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