Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Who gets to decide what a man looks like?


I decided to do a simple google search on the word ‘masculinity’ in order to see what this term represents on a worldwide scale. I stumbled upon this image, and had to stop for a moment to take it in. Something about it makes me uncomfortable. I suppose it is the muscular outline, suggesting that there is a specific body type that exudes masculinity and manliness. That, coupled with the fact that the individual in the photo is already male presenting, wearing a blue button down and sporting a face with thick facial hair, has painted the picture regarding exactly what/who we associate with being manly or masculine. This is troubling for two reasons. First, it sets an expectation for cisgender men to appeal to, and it is likely to take a toll on their psyche if/when they fall short of these often unattainable standards. In this context, we can equate large muscle mass with the cisgender woman’s struggle with maintaining a petite waist. These are looks that some individuals may be inclined toward, but it should certainly not be considered the norm when many people cannot train their bodies to look like that. Second, this image of masculinity can be so harmful to trans individuals, especially those who are beginning transition. To present the idea that this image represents what a man looks like can encourage dysphoria and take away from the validity of a trans man’s experience, if they are to compare themselves unfairly. 

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