The Media and Masculinity

In recent class readings, we have dug deep into understanding the fundamental formation of masculinity. As we have read, masculinity is represented by a variety of traits and qualities that differ from culture to culture. One form of masculinity may be represented by qualities such as strength and size. Whereas, other forms of masculinity are measured by wealth and socioeconomic status. Although the representation of masculinity is typically established within a certain culture, the formation of masculinity is not. It is still widely debated how certain trait have come to define masculinity. As we look for answers, it appears there is one main source that contributes to masculinity's identity: the media.

Recent studies have shown that the media plays a huge role in the development of a culture's idea of masculinity. In countless movies and television shows, there is the reoccurring concept of a strong, athletic male who portrays his dominance and thus is perceived as masculine. An article from the Media Awareness Network (MAN) explains this in further detail (http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/men_and_masculinity/masculinity_defining.cfm). The report observes three main factors typically exhibited by the media:
-the majority of males characters in media are heterosexual
- male characters are more often associated with the public sphere of work, rather than the private sphere of the home, and issues and problems related to work are more significant than personal issues
- non-white male characters are more likely to experience personal problems and are more likely to use physical aggression or violence to solve those problems

It was concluded that "these dominant trends in the media's portrayal of men reinforce and support social attitudes that link masculinity to power, dominance and control." It is intriguing to see how much of an effect the media has on our definition of masculinity and it will be interesting to see how the media will continue to shape it.