Masculinity Constructed by Images in Fitness Magazines
Stuart Hall defines identity as an ‘already accomplished fact, which the new cultural practices then represent’. Identity should be taken as an ever-evolving process that is ‘never complete’ and is also phenomenal in shaping them. (Hall, 2003) Identity also refers to individual conformity to a specific group, thoughts, emotions, and conduct. An individual’s social or cultural image can construct an identity as associated with their hair, skin tone, and height. The representation of identity is significant in every society, as without them there will be no culture existing. (Hall, Evans and Nixon, 1997) The image created by the media at large is often embedded in the culture and influences our social life, and the identity people associate with those images. The media often creates new standards of how to be men and women. It depicts the way we should groom ourselves, conduct ourselves in public, and also influences the choices we make in consumption. Time and again, masculinity has found a prominent place in the media. The images appearing in men’s fitness magazines influence our culture and creates a personal identity inspired by porn and sports star. This paper intends to define the way images construct masculine identities. The current trend of idolising the male body and self-objectifying themselves is posing threat as men are resorting to shortcuts such as injecting steroids. In this attempt, I will be exploring some specific examples taken from various media, particularly the advertisement appearing in fitness magazines. The analyses of these examples will help throw more light on the way these images construe masculinity and the issues relating to it. Masculine is referred to the trait, characters, and attributes which are generally associated with the male gender.
Masculine traits include bravery, self-control, and confidence. The way a child identifies a gender trait and role is highly influenced by their portrayal on numerous mediums in the media. While some denote masculinity to the male body and associate it with the male genitalia, others constitute it as a social construct. (Wijngaard, 1997) However, as the world has evolved into contemporary society, masculinity has become distinct from the classification of the male biological sex. The media provides an important perspective on social attitudes as well, and they portray male machismo as a normal expression of masculinity. In the media, the male gender is portrayed as being in control of himself and others, having aggression and ferocity, being monetarily independent, and physically attractive. The media works as a source from which men frame and recognize their current identities and also base their future outlook, on the way they want themselves to be projected. (Hall, Evans and Nixon, 1997) This advertisement perceives men in various public profiles such as politics, commerce, religion as well as academics. They are expected to be physically strong and are supposed to be the breadwinners for their families.
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