Male Body Cultural Concepts of Essay

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171). On the other hand, men are sometimes depicted in the opposite stance: as overtly dominant. The difference between the "willing subordination" and the cocky gaze is that the former is a pose formally reserved for females whereas the latter epitomizes male social roles of dominance and political control. The individual who gazes directly at the viewer is confident and in control, whereas the individual who bears his or her behind and looks away from the viewer is saying "take me, do what you want with me." Interestingly, Bardo discovers a racial and age disparity among the images. African-American males are more likely to be shown in a dominant role, whereas young males are more likely to be represented as submissive (p. 192).

Thus, Bardo explores the language of visual imagery through a direct discussion of the male body. Whereas the female body has been the de facto tableau on which artists and advertisers have projected their ideals, now the male body is similarly up for grabs. The equalization of the genders in the realm of advertising must in some way reflect an emerging gender equity.

Still, though, Bardo notes that advertisements are leagues ahead of film when it comes to equalizing depictions of male and female bodies. Bardo points out that the portrayal of male vs. female orgasms bears political messages.

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In movies, males are shown to be in control of their bodies to the extent that their orgasms are less outrageous and more sober than those of women. The man is shown to be in control, not letting go or surrendering. As Bardo puts it, "She's being transported to another world, he's the pilot of the ship that takes her there," (p. 191).

Bardo ultimately claims that the new representation of the male form has transformed social norms related to beauty and grooming. In American and British cultures, for example, "regular guys" are not supposed to care about what they look like, how much they weigh, and what they wear. To fuss about one's appearance is to suggest homosexuality. Vanity is somehow a feminine trait. Since the fashion industry has sold men on their own beauty, male vanity has become more in vogue. Bardo points out that this evolution has only been meaningful in some cultures. In many, if not most, non-Anglo societies, men have always strived to look their best and to care about their grooming and wardrobe. The taboo is a cultural one, just as the taboo against nude or sensual male forms is also one borne of homophobia and misogyny. The male and female bodies are equally as beautiful, and equally subject to criticism and desire.

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