Because I am an inherently stupid person, I thought this blog was due tonight by ten instead of the clearly written Saturday night I have on my notes from class on Friday. However, because I thought it was due tonight I did get an extra night of the collegiate Halloween experience. In our society, the last thing a girl wants to be perceived as is a slut, so whenever a freebie like Halloween comes around it seems that as many girls as possible take advantage of the fact that they can dress up as a promiscuous (insert anything here really). I think this trend basically stems from the unequal standards that we hold for men and women. A man is glorified for going out and having sexual conquests while a woman would be more likely typified as a "slut" or "whore". On Halloween, everybody is in a costume and essentially can be or act like somebody or something else for an entire night. This opportunity allows girls to be on equal footing with the guys for one day out of the year.
One thing I don't understand is why people seem to be so against the sexuality that surrounds Halloween. Growing up, I went trick or treating every year until I was 15. Not once did I have some sexualized ideal or see anything remotely sexual about Halloween walking around my neighborhood. Today, I even saw sororities and fraternities open their doors for young trick or treaters in an appropriate setting. The barrier between the openly sexual Halloween and the nostalgic childhood Halloween is stable, and parents with younger kids needn't worry about taking their kids out on Halloween.
All I know is that I love that Halloween is sexualized. I like hot, scantily clad girls and there shouldn't be anything wrong with that. The sexuality of Halloween doesn't hurt anybody so I am going to continue to go out and celebrate it. Oh yeah, the candy is nice too.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
What Makes the Slutty Holiday Slutty?
Growing up in my family, my parents never condoned Halloween or any of its traditions, saying that it was dangerous due to the ever-worsening moral condition of society. They would talk about how safe and fun it was when they were kids and then how twisted and dangerous it had become, citing stories of kids finding razorblades in apples and poison in candy. They also viewed Halloween as a “dark” holiday associated with witches and spirits, seeing as it is the general consensus that more activity associated with demons and the spirit world are encouraged by this holiday. Typically, I would go with my brothers and sister to a fall party at my church where games and candy were abundantly presented in a safer and less “dark” atmosphere. For this reason, I am not abundantly familiar with the typical traditions of Halloween parties, especially at the college level. However, from what I have gathered through costume advertisements, the news media, stories, and friends, the attire (or lack there of) has been steadily sliding down a long, slippery slope. Outfits have continually gotten more and more revealing, explicit, and bold. As I thought about this concept, I said to myself, “soon it will be the norm for college students to wear nothing at all to these ‘costume’ parties!” However, after further contemplation I reasoned that option out, because I believe that a party of this type would eliminate the primary reason that students attend. That is, the reason of wanting to express themselves through their attire and having the chance to draw extra attention from the opposite gender, above that which they would normally receive, by outdoing their peers. Clearly, this is what Halloween parties are all about. Once I deduced this, it was easy for me to
see why Halloween has become so “slutty,” and also why women’s costumes tend to follow certain trends.
There are two reasons that Halloween costumes are worn: a) to attract attention, b) to express oneself. (I’m not sure, but I think it all started with Karate Kid outsmarting his arch-rival to get the girl by dressing up as a “walking shower,” complete with shower head and curtain.) Because men tend to be visually stimulated, women recognize this and dress accordingly. They realize that men think a great deal about the opposite sex and about sex in general. Thus, they attempt to draw men’s attention through their choice of costume. Unsurprisingly, many times this “costume” tends to consist of less costume than actual skin. Women are seeking to turn the heads of men by dressing provocatively. This is the reason that so many “slutty cops, nurses, and princesses” are seen.
Women, on the other hand, tend to gauge their self-worth by the comments they receive from others, especially those they receive from men. Because such “slutty” costumes tend to draw men’s attention and produce compliments, this has become the normal attire for women attending these parties. Thus, unless women cease to care what men think, their costumes will likely continue to follow the “slutty” trend.
see why Halloween has become so “slutty,” and also why women’s costumes tend to follow certain trends.
There are two reasons that Halloween costumes are worn: a) to attract attention, b) to express oneself. (I’m not sure, but I think it all started with Karate Kid outsmarting his arch-rival to get the girl by dressing up as a “walking shower,” complete with shower head and curtain.) Because men tend to be visually stimulated, women recognize this and dress accordingly. They realize that men think a great deal about the opposite sex and about sex in general. Thus, they attempt to draw men’s attention through their choice of costume. Unsurprisingly, many times this “costume” tends to consist of less costume than actual skin. Women are seeking to turn the heads of men by dressing provocatively. This is the reason that so many “slutty cops, nurses, and princesses” are seen.
Women, on the other hand, tend to gauge their self-worth by the comments they receive from others, especially those they receive from men. Because such “slutty” costumes tend to draw men’s attention and produce compliments, this has become the normal attire for women attending these parties. Thus, unless women cease to care what men think, their costumes will likely continue to follow the “slutty” trend.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
I Love Halloween!
Halloween was once a pagan holiday, on which it was said that the land of the dead overlapped with the land of the living. In order to mollify evil spirits, people would dress up in costumes mimicking the dead. How these costumes evolved into “slutty bo peep,” I’ll never know.
This is Halloween
My family never celebrated Halloween so most of the knowledge that I have about Halloween is what I have heard from the media popular culture. As such the only connection, prior to coming to Purdue, that I made between sexuality and Halloween involved the vampires that were associated with the holiday. It is clear that there has long been a link between sexuality and horror even if that link was based solely in authors needing a way to write about sexuality that was not entirely explicit. It is my belief that the recent influx of sexually explicit costumes comes from a different source, at least in part.
Over the years, as our society has moved across the moral spectrum from puritanical towards completely immoral, the standards of dress and acceptable societal behavior for women have changed from not showing any skin besides that of the face (what modest women would dare let her husband see her ankles much less show them in public?) to clothing that almost requires a Brazilian wax. These changes fall over to most areas of society and the events within that society, including Halloween. Looking at the receding costume material in terms of a change in a society as a whole and not just as a change in the holiday requires you to look at the changes in that society as a whole. It is quite obvious that our society has become more sexually explicit in general. America as a whole is becoming more accepting of sexual matters and because of that it is becoming more difficult for college students to push past what is viewed as acceptable, but that doesn't mean that they won't try. It is nearly impossible to separate the person in the costume from the character that they are portraying; if a college student of the female persuasion dresses up as a slutty nurse it is a good bet that she actually is one of those two things. The sexuality that one observes in Halloween costumes is not something unique to that day, but it is just another expression of the sexuality that exists in the day to day life of our country (albeit a little less visually).
If this Halloween you see a girl in a skirt so short that it would not even provide enough material for a_____ and a shirt that would make your mother cry, then do not blame the date that it is on the calendar until you have at asked yourself what she wore to the last football game (or to class the month before Halloween).
"Increasingly, the picture of our society as rendered in our media is illusionary and delusionary: disfigured, unreal, out of touch with reality, disconnected from the true context of our life. It is disfigured by celebrity, by celebrity worship, by gossip, by sensationalism, by denial of our societies’ real condition and a political and social discourse that we — the press, the media, the politician and the people — are turning into a sewer." -Carl Bernstein
Over the years, as our society has moved across the moral spectrum from puritanical towards completely immoral, the standards of dress and acceptable societal behavior for women have changed from not showing any skin besides that of the face (what modest women would dare let her husband see her ankles much less show them in public?) to clothing that almost requires a Brazilian wax. These changes fall over to most areas of society and the events within that society, including Halloween. Looking at the receding costume material in terms of a change in a society as a whole and not just as a change in the holiday requires you to look at the changes in that society as a whole. It is quite obvious that our society has become more sexually explicit in general. America as a whole is becoming more accepting of sexual matters and because of that it is becoming more difficult for college students to push past what is viewed as acceptable, but that doesn't mean that they won't try. It is nearly impossible to separate the person in the costume from the character that they are portraying; if a college student of the female persuasion dresses up as a slutty nurse it is a good bet that she actually is one of those two things. The sexuality that one observes in Halloween costumes is not something unique to that day, but it is just another expression of the sexuality that exists in the day to day life of our country (albeit a little less visually).
If this Halloween you see a girl in a skirt so short that it would not even provide enough material for a_____ and a shirt that would make your mother cry, then do not blame the date that it is on the calendar until you have at asked yourself what she wore to the last football game (or to class the month before Halloween).
"Increasingly, the picture of our society as rendered in our media is illusionary and delusionary: disfigured, unreal, out of touch with reality, disconnected from the true context of our life. It is disfigured by celebrity, by celebrity worship, by gossip, by sensationalism, by denial of our societies’ real condition and a political and social discourse that we — the press, the media, the politician and the people — are turning into a sewer." -Carl Bernstein
Christmas, Halloween, and the Theory of Sluttiness
In Poland, there’s no Halloween; instead, there’s All Saint’s Day. It’s a day to visit the graves of deceased family members, decorating them with flowers and candles. Costume-wearing, trick-or-treating, and the like aren’t a part of it. I hear these days there are actual “Halloween Parties” in some of the bigger cities, but that’s about it.
In America, when I first heard of Halloween, I was completely confused by it. The whole idea of being given something like candy for the most part for free – I was too young to grasp the idea of dignity – was a strange thing to comprehend. It didn’t, however, take much convincing to get me to dress up and run around the neighborhood ringing doorbells and harassing my neighbors.
I think that the case is similar when it comes to why girls/guys dress up the way they do for Halloween. They’re being given the opportunity to do something that they normally wouldn’t do and, as a result, to receive something for “free.” Even if a girl doesn’t want to be known as a slut, and a guy doesn’t want to be thought of as a freak, they do want attention to be paid to their looks/their clever mind/their sense of humor/some aspect of their personality, and they take advantage of a chance to do so. Honestly, who wouldn’t?
Halloween is, in a way, like Christmas; it allows a person to show who they are in how they celebrate it. During Christmas, it’s all about decorating the Christmas tree and giving the best gift. During Halloween, it’s all about decorating one’s self and receiving the most compliments from others. Just as Christmas decorations and gift giving have grown out of hand, so have Halloween costumes. It’s a natural transition, with each person trying to outdo everyone else and thus get the most out of the given holiday.
Speaking of costumes, girls generally dress up in something cute/pretty/provocative, while guys go with something amusing/unusual/macabre. This is because – again, this is generally speaking – girls want to be though of as being attractive, and guys want to be though of as being cool. They dress according to the type of attention they want to receive. A girl in a gorilla suit is not attractive, and a guy dressed as Ricky Martin – although arguably frightening – is not cool. None of this has anything to do with how society views women/men. It all comes down to how women/men view themselves and how they want others to view them. I guess that what I’m trying to say is this: Halloween isn’t slutty, rather it’s the girls that dress up as slutty nurses/officers/firemen/etc. that are indeed slutty.
I can’t believe I used the word “cool” as an adjective describing something other than the temperature. How has my vocabulary come to this?!?
Great, there goes my punctuation as well.
What a sad world.
In America, when I first heard of Halloween, I was completely confused by it. The whole idea of being given something like candy for the most part for free – I was too young to grasp the idea of dignity – was a strange thing to comprehend. It didn’t, however, take much convincing to get me to dress up and run around the neighborhood ringing doorbells and harassing my neighbors.
I think that the case is similar when it comes to why girls/guys dress up the way they do for Halloween. They’re being given the opportunity to do something that they normally wouldn’t do and, as a result, to receive something for “free.” Even if a girl doesn’t want to be known as a slut, and a guy doesn’t want to be thought of as a freak, they do want attention to be paid to their looks/their clever mind/their sense of humor/some aspect of their personality, and they take advantage of a chance to do so. Honestly, who wouldn’t?
Halloween is, in a way, like Christmas; it allows a person to show who they are in how they celebrate it. During Christmas, it’s all about decorating the Christmas tree and giving the best gift. During Halloween, it’s all about decorating one’s self and receiving the most compliments from others. Just as Christmas decorations and gift giving have grown out of hand, so have Halloween costumes. It’s a natural transition, with each person trying to outdo everyone else and thus get the most out of the given holiday.
Speaking of costumes, girls generally dress up in something cute/pretty/provocative, while guys go with something amusing/unusual/macabre. This is because – again, this is generally speaking – girls want to be though of as being attractive, and guys want to be though of as being cool. They dress according to the type of attention they want to receive. A girl in a gorilla suit is not attractive, and a guy dressed as Ricky Martin – although arguably frightening – is not cool. None of this has anything to do with how society views women/men. It all comes down to how women/men view themselves and how they want others to view them. I guess that what I’m trying to say is this: Halloween isn’t slutty, rather it’s the girls that dress up as slutty nurses/officers/firemen/etc. that are indeed slutty.
I can’t believe I used the word “cool” as an adjective describing something other than the temperature. How has my vocabulary come to this?!?
Great, there goes my punctuation as well.
What a sad world.
Halloween Gone Slutty
Growing up, Halloween was not my favorite holiday. Maybe it’s because I’m from Michigan, so it's usually snowing on most October 31sts, or maybe it’s because I cannot stand to be scared, or perhaps it’s because my parents needed to inspect every single piece of candy, from Hershey’s kisses to Smarties, to insure no one had “tampered” with them. But for whatever reason, I really never looked forward to Halloween. And now that I’m older, I dislike it even more.
Back when I was eight years old, Halloween was such an innocent holiday. Kids came to school dressed as a blue M&M, or Scooby Doo, or a pirate, or even Ariel. But not once did I ever see one of my classmates all dolled up like Malibu Barbie or a slutty cop (handcuffs included!). This seems to be the typical Halloween scene for college girls. However, this type of behavior starts even earlier than college.
All of the “popular” guys and girls at my high school would attend a party every Halloween called the “Pimps and Hoes” party. This was merely an excuse for the guys to wear jeans that were hanging down at their hips and for the girls to dress in their bra, underwear, and high heels. Of course, our principal did not commend this party or the behavior, and did everything in his power to make parents aware so that they wouldn’t let their children go, but that never worked (it was especially funny to see pictures on Facebook of the principal’s daughter at this party!).
Halloween is definitely not the same as it was ten years ago. It’s more of a sport now than a holiday. Everywhere you look on Halloween night, you’ll see girls dressed in the bare minimum amount of clothing (just enough to not get arrested). And where there are these girls, you are sure to see guys following. It’s just sad that such a fun event for young kids has turned to scandalous attire for the older crowd. We are supposedly young adults however, at this time of year many of us certainly don’t appear that way. And sure, this is just the college phase that we all go through, and soon enough we’ll be in our 40’s and 50’s with nothing to do except take our kids door-to-door Halloween night (however, my dad still dresses up…this year he’s Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, ruby slippers, Toto, and all).
This year, no matter if you’re a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, a banana, or even a slutty nurse, keep a few things in mind….this is a once a year thing, so if you’re going to get involved, go all out, be safe, and have fun (and don’t forget to check your candy for razorblades).
Back when I was eight years old, Halloween was such an innocent holiday. Kids came to school dressed as a blue M&M, or Scooby Doo, or a pirate, or even Ariel. But not once did I ever see one of my classmates all dolled up like Malibu Barbie or a slutty cop (handcuffs included!). This seems to be the typical Halloween scene for college girls. However, this type of behavior starts even earlier than college.
All of the “popular” guys and girls at my high school would attend a party every Halloween called the “Pimps and Hoes” party. This was merely an excuse for the guys to wear jeans that were hanging down at their hips and for the girls to dress in their bra, underwear, and high heels. Of course, our principal did not commend this party or the behavior, and did everything in his power to make parents aware so that they wouldn’t let their children go, but that never worked (it was especially funny to see pictures on Facebook of the principal’s daughter at this party!).
Halloween is definitely not the same as it was ten years ago. It’s more of a sport now than a holiday. Everywhere you look on Halloween night, you’ll see girls dressed in the bare minimum amount of clothing (just enough to not get arrested). And where there are these girls, you are sure to see guys following. It’s just sad that such a fun event for young kids has turned to scandalous attire for the older crowd. We are supposedly young adults however, at this time of year many of us certainly don’t appear that way. And sure, this is just the college phase that we all go through, and soon enough we’ll be in our 40’s and 50’s with nothing to do except take our kids door-to-door Halloween night (however, my dad still dresses up…this year he’s Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, ruby slippers, Toto, and all).
This year, no matter if you’re a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, a banana, or even a slutty nurse, keep a few things in mind….this is a once a year thing, so if you’re going to get involved, go all out, be safe, and have fun (and don’t forget to check your candy for razorblades).
Halloween
Ok, right now I am wearing my Halloween costume, standing in my dorm room with my roommate, ready to go to a party. Why is it that I have spent so much time finding the perfect outfit when I’m only going to be wearing it for at the most 12 hours? Why are there at least 3 Halloween stores in Lafayette alone? Why do girls always dress as sluts and guys dress like idiots?
All of it is for attention. Halloween is the one day of the year where you're supposed to look outrageous. It's an excuse to look outrageous, without anyone giving you crap for it. The fact is, the less clothes girls wear, the more attention they get. On Halloween, girls can get away with wearing less because it is "part of their costume." Everyone wants to be the center of attention on Halloween. Everyone wants to have the best, funniest, hottest costume. It is a day where you get to pretend you’re someone you're not.
I’ve always loved dressing up. Every time I baby-sit we play dress up. Not because they want to, because I want to. Dressing up lets you become another person. You don’t have to be the same person you are everyday. On Halloween, girls can be playboy bunnies, and no one thinks twice. On Halloween, you’re supposed to be an extreme, and going slutty is one of the easiest ways to do that.
Boys are all about the extreme too, they just achieve it in a different way. Guys can’t simply dress slutty, cause guys aren’t supposed to care what they look like. They don’t want to look like they tried too hard. Guys tend to go funny or scary, not “hot.”
Halloween is all about the escape, a chance to be someone you’re not. I can’t help but love it.
All of it is for attention. Halloween is the one day of the year where you're supposed to look outrageous. It's an excuse to look outrageous, without anyone giving you crap for it. The fact is, the less clothes girls wear, the more attention they get. On Halloween, girls can get away with wearing less because it is "part of their costume." Everyone wants to be the center of attention on Halloween. Everyone wants to have the best, funniest, hottest costume. It is a day where you get to pretend you’re someone you're not.
I’ve always loved dressing up. Every time I baby-sit we play dress up. Not because they want to, because I want to. Dressing up lets you become another person. You don’t have to be the same person you are everyday. On Halloween, girls can be playboy bunnies, and no one thinks twice. On Halloween, you’re supposed to be an extreme, and going slutty is one of the easiest ways to do that.
Boys are all about the extreme too, they just achieve it in a different way. Guys can’t simply dress slutty, cause guys aren’t supposed to care what they look like. They don’t want to look like they tried too hard. Guys tend to go funny or scary, not “hot.”
Halloween is all about the escape, a chance to be someone you’re not. I can’t help but love it.
And thats a costume?
Some psychologists believe that the costumes we wear for Halloween speak about more than just which outfit we think is coolest. The theme of the costume an individual chooses may explain hidden character traits. Halloween is definitely not just for little children, and adults are taking their costumes to extremes.
In the United States it is very popular for girls as young as middle school to wear the least amount of clothing as possible, and call it a costume. Sexy characters like French maids, hot nurses and even prostitutes are said to express repressed sexuality. Pimp and Ho costumes, however, generally represent inner struggles. There is something freeing about wearing something so dramatically different from one’s everyday clothes on just one day a year and have it be “socially accepted.
Scary characters show the human fascination with the macabre, something we are afraid of and yet drawn to at the same time. Fairies and princesses on the other hand show a loss of innocence and a desire to return to a state of innocence. Psychologists say the different animals we choose represent specific personality traits like strength, loyalty, grace and independence. Cat costumes for example, are sensual. Finally, evil characters express the individual’s dark side without the feeling of guilt.
On the college campuses across the country it seems nearly all of the females have repressed sexuality or they simply wear sexy costumes because they are an inescapable trend. I think some girls do dress as slutty Barbie or slutty anything simple because that’s what every one will be wearing. Others
Who may dress quite conservatively 364 days a year still follow the trend and may feel more comfortable they are definitely not the only ones dressed in that way. Many girls who are uncomfortable with their bodies may feel more comfortable on Halloween because they know they won’t be the center of attention or stared at or judged like they would on another day.
Guys on the other hand choose costumes which represent other sides of their personalities. Men don’t rely on sex appeal for the holiday and it even seems like they stray away from it. It is much more common to see a guy dressed as superman than as a sexy fireman.
So why do girls have to come to parties dressed as eye candy while boys dress for fun? I believe it is a reflection of society. Women are able to use sex appeal to get what they want from men, and are even expected to in some cases. Today it seems like sex appeal is equated to beauty. I think these costumes are an expression of the societal push to be sexy, please men and gain acceptance through sex appeal.
In the United States it is very popular for girls as young as middle school to wear the least amount of clothing as possible, and call it a costume. Sexy characters like French maids, hot nurses and even prostitutes are said to express repressed sexuality. Pimp and Ho costumes, however, generally represent inner struggles. There is something freeing about wearing something so dramatically different from one’s everyday clothes on just one day a year and have it be “socially accepted.
Scary characters show the human fascination with the macabre, something we are afraid of and yet drawn to at the same time. Fairies and princesses on the other hand show a loss of innocence and a desire to return to a state of innocence. Psychologists say the different animals we choose represent specific personality traits like strength, loyalty, grace and independence. Cat costumes for example, are sensual. Finally, evil characters express the individual’s dark side without the feeling of guilt.
On the college campuses across the country it seems nearly all of the females have repressed sexuality or they simply wear sexy costumes because they are an inescapable trend. I think some girls do dress as slutty Barbie or slutty anything simple because that’s what every one will be wearing. Others
Who may dress quite conservatively 364 days a year still follow the trend and may feel more comfortable they are definitely not the only ones dressed in that way. Many girls who are uncomfortable with their bodies may feel more comfortable on Halloween because they know they won’t be the center of attention or stared at or judged like they would on another day.
Guys on the other hand choose costumes which represent other sides of their personalities. Men don’t rely on sex appeal for the holiday and it even seems like they stray away from it. It is much more common to see a guy dressed as superman than as a sexy fireman.
So why do girls have to come to parties dressed as eye candy while boys dress for fun? I believe it is a reflection of society. Women are able to use sex appeal to get what they want from men, and are even expected to in some cases. Today it seems like sex appeal is equated to beauty. I think these costumes are an expression of the societal push to be sexy, please men and gain acceptance through sex appeal.
Compensation for Real Life
When I was little Halloween was all about getting dressed up in your costume, going door to door for free candy, and subsequently getting sick on snickers and milky ways later that night. Little kids just want candy… Big kids want attention... Doesn’t that seem backwards? I swear, the older we get, the more ridiculous our thought processes become. Welcome to
Call me a crazy conservative
So why are things like this anyway? And why does it seem that the pressure is on women to appear sexy and provocative?
I think the root of this has nothing to do with Halloween, but all of those days which aren’t Halloween (which are the rest of them.)
Everyday women are told they aren’t attractive enough. There will always be someone prettier, smarter, and sexier. Of course, guys face these same pressures, but not on nearly the same scale or magnitude. The reason that so many women dress the way they do for Halloween at this age is that they want to feel beautiful and sexy and desirable, because they feel as though they just don’t measure up in real life. Really, this is pretty sad. Everyone should always feel as though they are beautiful, and they shouldn’t have to slut themselves up in order to make themselves feel as though they are. However, for these women, Halloween is an opportunity for them to feel special, so let them have their day (or night) in the sun. (moon?)
Guys are different, in that guys are naturally more independent and self-confident. Call me a sexist or whatever but men and women ARE different, and men generally don’t require as much reassurance from others that women do. However, guys face more pressure to fit in with their male brethren, which results in males trying to impress each other in Halloween the best way men know how: Being funny. Most male costumes are jokes and pop culture references in an effort to one up each other to be funny. Of course, ladies are attracted to funny too, so it’s sort of a two-for deal.
Of course, who are we to judge people for their costumes? The whole idea of Halloween is to allow people to live out their dreams for a night. What we should be thankful for is that these women are most likely being slutty in their fantasies, because in real life they aren’t. At least we can hope as much.
Whatever you’re planning on being for Halloween, don’t worry what other people are going to think and just do it for yourself.
Halloween
I’ve never really thought of Halloween as an actual holiday. It’s more like a fun day set aside for kids – just a precursor for the real holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. However in recent years, Halloween is becoming more of an R-rated holiday for adults and less of a day for kids to dress up like their favorite superheroes or villains and get candy. Personally I haven’t been trick or treating or participated at all in this faux holiday since I was ten years old. However it is obvious that many adults, especially women, take this “holiday” as an excuse to dress risqué. In fact it is less about ghosts and goblins and more of a game to see who can wear the least amount of clothing when it is 30 degrees outside. Doesn’t that sound like fun?
So why did Halloween go from the scary and spooky holiday to the tawdry and brazen one? If you think like Freud, you know that individuals are motivated by two things: sex and aggression. However society has rules that keep us from acting on these two impulses. As individuals of the society, we know that certain things are deemed inappropriate and improper. However repressing such impulses and desires doesn’t ever last long as anyone who has misplaced anger on someone other than who it is truly meant for knows. So when a holiday such as Halloween gives us permission to dress and act like a character we are not allowed to be in “real life,” we take advantage of it. It’s like an unspoken rule - on one day out of the year women get to dress any way they want without being considered a harlot. Because after all that’s not really who she is, she’s just in character, acting, playing a role, even if some women play the role so well they deserve an award for their performance. Once November first hits however, she’ll go back to being the student, doctor, secretary, or whatever it is until that one day comes back around when she is allowed to be anything she desires.
So why did Halloween go from the scary and spooky holiday to the tawdry and brazen one? If you think like Freud, you know that individuals are motivated by two things: sex and aggression. However society has rules that keep us from acting on these two impulses. As individuals of the society, we know that certain things are deemed inappropriate and improper. However repressing such impulses and desires doesn’t ever last long as anyone who has misplaced anger on someone other than who it is truly meant for knows. So when a holiday such as Halloween gives us permission to dress and act like a character we are not allowed to be in “real life,” we take advantage of it. It’s like an unspoken rule - on one day out of the year women get to dress any way they want without being considered a harlot. Because after all that’s not really who she is, she’s just in character, acting, playing a role, even if some women play the role so well they deserve an award for their performance. Once November first hits however, she’ll go back to being the student, doctor, secretary, or whatever it is until that one day comes back around when she is allowed to be anything she desires.
Sluts?...... Where?
Once a year the masses come out in costumes to portray a feeling. Whether that feeling is joy, horror, awe, humor, or sexiness; everyone that participates in the rituals of good old All Hallow’s Eve has a purpose. From the innocent Kodak-worthy costumes of the youth to those that leave none for the imagination, Halloween brings out something in people. That certain something may differ from person to person though. Some guys will replicate their favorite childhood superhero, as a means to pay homage while some ladies will embrace the curves and lady lumps of their bodies for self-satisfaction and sex appeal. Whatever the case, it is dreadfully obvious that Halloween has transcended from traditional trick-or-treating for children to an age wide extravaganza.
When we think of costumes, typically and normally gender is a factor. Society says males should have masculine costumes and women should have feminine costumes. This is so because society as a whole is not ready to see men in skirts and women with manly beards. Human nature is enticed by fantasy and embellishment. It is pleasurable for a heterosexual man to see a sexy French maid, a sexy policewoman, a sexy fairy, or a sexy anything female for that matter. As is pleasurable for a female to see a muscle bound Spartan or superman. More and more we see guys using Halloween as an excuse to dress in a more feminine manner. For example, men will wear boas and skirts and maybe even wigs on Halloween just because they can. Today’s generation has taken liberty and stretched it beyond its true meaning. We also see a lot of women masquerading as men. Women in beards with hair coverings are becoming more and more popular.
We each have to make up in our minds what is acceptable and what is pushing it. People, not just women, are wearing less and less clothing. Some of this is a catalyst for humor, while the vast majority just wants to embody what society has dubbed “slutty” for one night. There is so much paradox going on Halloween because the norm is to scorn those that display a slutty appearance, yet every girl and her mother wants to display a slutty appearance on Halloween. It is human nature for us to fear what we do not understand. So I guess if you can’t beat them, join them. Often times we see when things are heavily discriminated against, the discriminator will join the discriminated to either prove a point or make fun of the particular group.
Society is passed the point where everyone just wants to be accepted and fit in. Increasingly we are seeing that people adore sticking out and being genuine to whatever it is they believe in. More people have come out the closet about their feelings and many actively express their emotions to the public. We use creative t-shirts as a popular way to display emotion. Bright messages and sacrilegious messages alike have become apart of everyday life. Halloween has spawned a new generation of thinkers, developers, and expressers and we see it all the time. Just look at the Breakfast Club!
When we think of costumes, typically and normally gender is a factor. Society says males should have masculine costumes and women should have feminine costumes. This is so because society as a whole is not ready to see men in skirts and women with manly beards. Human nature is enticed by fantasy and embellishment. It is pleasurable for a heterosexual man to see a sexy French maid, a sexy policewoman, a sexy fairy, or a sexy anything female for that matter. As is pleasurable for a female to see a muscle bound Spartan or superman. More and more we see guys using Halloween as an excuse to dress in a more feminine manner. For example, men will wear boas and skirts and maybe even wigs on Halloween just because they can. Today’s generation has taken liberty and stretched it beyond its true meaning. We also see a lot of women masquerading as men. Women in beards with hair coverings are becoming more and more popular.
We each have to make up in our minds what is acceptable and what is pushing it. People, not just women, are wearing less and less clothing. Some of this is a catalyst for humor, while the vast majority just wants to embody what society has dubbed “slutty” for one night. There is so much paradox going on Halloween because the norm is to scorn those that display a slutty appearance, yet every girl and her mother wants to display a slutty appearance on Halloween. It is human nature for us to fear what we do not understand. So I guess if you can’t beat them, join them. Often times we see when things are heavily discriminated against, the discriminator will join the discriminated to either prove a point or make fun of the particular group.
Society is passed the point where everyone just wants to be accepted and fit in. Increasingly we are seeing that people adore sticking out and being genuine to whatever it is they believe in. More people have come out the closet about their feelings and many actively express their emotions to the public. We use creative t-shirts as a popular way to display emotion. Bright messages and sacrilegious messages alike have become apart of everyday life. Halloween has spawned a new generation of thinkers, developers, and expressers and we see it all the time. Just look at the Breakfast Club!
Skanks + Candy = Best holiday ever
I remember way back in the day when it was cool to be your favorite T.V. show character for Halloween. As a kid my costumes ranged from, the red power ranger, to one of the ninja turtles, to a very large cow. As time grew on I realized that for guys the only good costumes were the ones that were funny or the ones that were really masculine. The guy ones that I have seen so far range from a giant penis, where the testicles are his foot to the always masculine 300 soldier. The costumes of the girls changed drastically as they grew older. In their early years the girls were he princess, Tinkerbelle and little M&M’s, but as the times changed and the society around them changed, it was more acceptable for the women to wear practically nothing for Halloween. I believe it all started in the 90’s as sex became a big thing to talk about. The 90’s were a time where sex was in mot parts of the media mainly in music. These were the years of the provocative Madonna, the cute Brittney Spears and the ever so popular Spice Girls. Many young women idealized these girls, most probably wanted the same reaction from men that those women got; and Halloween gave them an excuse to do it without being called a slut. From the various female artists running around on T.V. with their skimpy clothing to the men who objectify them in music videos; the girls are sent a message that if you show skin a look sexy in any outfit, the guys will be surrounding you. Its not necessarily the “bad girls” who do it, the “good girls” do it also; it has become so accepted that to some people don’t even consider it a big deal anymore.
Sluttyween!
Halloween, a time to live out your fantasy, a time when it is okay to dress as someone other than yourself, a time to creatively express in a possibly unrealistic manner. However, judging from the costumes I have been seeing in the past few years, Halloween has turned into an excuse for girls to walk around the neighborhood in their lingerie or wear that outfit that might be to risqué for a normal night out. On Halloween clothes that would normally be deemed as inappropriate are praised and appreciated. My question is, “When did Halloween become Sluttyween? What happened to the creative and unique costumes?”
I witnessed this epidemic firsthand when I attended a Halloween costume party my freshman year in high school. After spending days thinking about what I wanted to be, I choose to be a 50’s girl. After arriving at the party dressed in a poodle skirt, a ribbon in my hair and Mary Jane’s on my feet I felt completely out of place. To my surprise, a very naive surprise, I was overdressed (literally). Don’t get me wrong at first glance the party seemed perfectly normal. However at second glance I began to realize that the costumes were not how they appeared. Instead of vampires, there were slutty vampires, the girls wearing the bunny costumes looked like they just popped out of something other than a rabbit hole, there were even nurses but their costumes looked as if they were planning to service something other than the sick. I sat there thinking, “What did I miss? When did Halloween costumes become so different and more importantly why are the girls using it as an excuse to dress completely inappropriate. Also, why has this become socially acceptable?
Although inappropriate costumes has become a norm in our society, I began to wonder why don’t the boys use the holiday to dress up as something that is too risqué for normal everyday wear? This question can be answered going back to the concept of masculinity and femininity. It is perfectly acceptable for girls too dress “sexy” and cute on Halloween but when guys try to emulate this it is considered to be to feminine. I also wonder why it is okay for girls to live out their fantasies on Halloween but guys usually stick to the firefighter, policeman or other manly costumes. This goes to show that even males are almost obligated to act a certain way, even on a holiday where it is encouraged to dress out of the norm. This is despite of the fact that girls can usually dress any way the please and it is usually acceptable.
I realized that Halloween costumes did a complete 360 the day I walked into my first high school Halloween party and realized that I was completely overdressed. Although this phenomenon does not surprise me anymore I am still perplexed at the fact that masculinity and femininity are still clearly defined on a day where most of the rules, as far as dress, are allowed to be broken.
I witnessed this epidemic firsthand when I attended a Halloween costume party my freshman year in high school. After spending days thinking about what I wanted to be, I choose to be a 50’s girl. After arriving at the party dressed in a poodle skirt, a ribbon in my hair and Mary Jane’s on my feet I felt completely out of place. To my surprise, a very naive surprise, I was overdressed (literally). Don’t get me wrong at first glance the party seemed perfectly normal. However at second glance I began to realize that the costumes were not how they appeared. Instead of vampires, there were slutty vampires, the girls wearing the bunny costumes looked like they just popped out of something other than a rabbit hole, there were even nurses but their costumes looked as if they were planning to service something other than the sick. I sat there thinking, “What did I miss? When did Halloween costumes become so different and more importantly why are the girls using it as an excuse to dress completely inappropriate. Also, why has this become socially acceptable?
Although inappropriate costumes has become a norm in our society, I began to wonder why don’t the boys use the holiday to dress up as something that is too risqué for normal everyday wear? This question can be answered going back to the concept of masculinity and femininity. It is perfectly acceptable for girls too dress “sexy” and cute on Halloween but when guys try to emulate this it is considered to be to feminine. I also wonder why it is okay for girls to live out their fantasies on Halloween but guys usually stick to the firefighter, policeman or other manly costumes. This goes to show that even males are almost obligated to act a certain way, even on a holiday where it is encouraged to dress out of the norm. This is despite of the fact that girls can usually dress any way the please and it is usually acceptable.
I realized that Halloween costumes did a complete 360 the day I walked into my first high school Halloween party and realized that I was completely overdressed. Although this phenomenon does not surprise me anymore I am still perplexed at the fact that masculinity and femininity are still clearly defined on a day where most of the rules, as far as dress, are allowed to be broken.
Guess I missed the party scene...
As the title suggests, I don't really go to parties, therefore most of the experience of this journal's topic is already extremely limited. I seriously have no clue about any of the "lustiness" of the general population of women during Halloween, so the only basis about this I have is the insistence from you all that it does. Thus, the only opinion I can form is through an amateur psychological view rather than an experiential one.I also don't have much experience with Halloween in general. Living in inner-city Indianapolis, trick or treating door to door was not a safe proposition, so I have never been.
The psychology behind most Halloween costumes is actually relatively simple. Though comfort, availability, and funds factor into a costume choice, underlying factors can be easily interpreted. When you choose a costume, it gives you the ability to live out a fantasy and show others some part of your hidden self. Put into black and white terms, Halloween is a chance for people to dress up for one of two reasons. People would dress up as something or someone that they love, and wish to emulate, or they dress up as something or someone they hate and wish to mock.
This applies directly to the licentious nature of many costumes found in this type of environment. These can represent the individual's repressed sexuality, or they can be a healthy expression of someone who is not very repressed.
The concept of acting like someone else without repercussion is found within this. Feeling sexy is a confidence boost for anyone, even though it will only be for one night. Women can dress anyway they want and not be thought of as a whore.
Males could express this through different ways than sexuality, such as power. Such costumes as superheros could represent a repressed insecurity.
The psychology behind most Halloween costumes is actually relatively simple. Though comfort, availability, and funds factor into a costume choice, underlying factors can be easily interpreted. When you choose a costume, it gives you the ability to live out a fantasy and show others some part of your hidden self. Put into black and white terms, Halloween is a chance for people to dress up for one of two reasons. People would dress up as something or someone that they love, and wish to emulate, or they dress up as something or someone they hate and wish to mock.
This applies directly to the licentious nature of many costumes found in this type of environment. These can represent the individual's repressed sexuality, or they can be a healthy expression of someone who is not very repressed.
The concept of acting like someone else without repercussion is found within this. Feeling sexy is a confidence boost for anyone, even though it will only be for one night. Women can dress anyway they want and not be thought of as a whore.
Males could express this through different ways than sexuality, such as power. Such costumes as superheros could represent a repressed insecurity.
Halloween: The Sluttiest Day of the Year.
When I think of Halloween, I think of trick or treating. Going out and taking candy from strangers while dressed up in fantastic costumes just seems wholesome to me. There was no competition for best costume, because everyone got the same amount of candy from every house. Now, however, my view of Halloween is being challenged by the insidious forces of lust and envy.
It seems to me that Halloween for adults is more of an excuse to get drunk in ridiculous costumes, rather than any true holiday. Which is fine, I guess, but it seems like something you could do any day of the year. And instead of the nice, subdued costumes of youth, like princesses and ballerinas, women of my age now wear things of a much more...lets say "nakedesq" appeal.
Everywhere I look on Halloween, I see slutty cheerleaders, naughty nurses, and nearly-nude bunnies. That is to say, no different from my normal, day-to-day interactions, except these women aren't figments of my depraved imagination. No, these are the costume's of today's modern women. But why has this...lets say "sexification" of women's costumes occurred? Well, here's what I think.
It seems like a fair assumption that most women would like to be confident. In the same way that making masculine poses in the mirror builds confidence in men, being the object of desire builds confidence in women. Being the center of attention is always great, or so I've heard. Also, women would like to do this without giving themselves the reputation that they want it, I.E. being a slut. So an environment where they can dress up as say, Slutty Cinderella, one day a year is ideal. After all, they're not damaging their own reputation, they're just acting like Slutty Cinderella. And we all know how slutty Slutty Cinderella is. That whore.
As to the fact that guys DON'T need this reassurance, let me let you in on a little secret: guys really love costumes. A good costume can skyrocket a guy's confidence to superhuman levels, to the point where actual physical appearance doesn't really matter that much anymore. They don't need to show off their ripped abs if they can be an awesome space pirate from the future. If a costume lacks any noticeable pelvic bulges, it's perfectly fine, because for tonight he's CAPTAIN PLANET, and no man nor woman nor beast can shake him.
This may be the testosterone talking, but I do love me some dressing up and prancing around. Just making people think you're someone else for a night is fantastic, especially if that person you're dressing up as is way cooler than you'll ever be on your best day. So, to answer the question I think that men and women both have the same goal on Halloween, just go about it in different ways. Dressing up as a faceless, shapeless ghost probably wouldn't cut it for a woman, and being Slutty Princess Jasmine for a night wouldn't do much for me. Well, maybe.
It seems to me that Halloween for adults is more of an excuse to get drunk in ridiculous costumes, rather than any true holiday. Which is fine, I guess, but it seems like something you could do any day of the year. And instead of the nice, subdued costumes of youth, like princesses and ballerinas, women of my age now wear things of a much more...lets say "nakedesq" appeal.
Everywhere I look on Halloween, I see slutty cheerleaders, naughty nurses, and nearly-nude bunnies. That is to say, no different from my normal, day-to-day interactions, except these women aren't figments of my depraved imagination. No, these are the costume's of today's modern women. But why has this...lets say "sexification" of women's costumes occurred? Well, here's what I think.
It seems like a fair assumption that most women would like to be confident. In the same way that making masculine poses in the mirror builds confidence in men, being the object of desire builds confidence in women. Being the center of attention is always great, or so I've heard. Also, women would like to do this without giving themselves the reputation that they want it, I.E. being a slut. So an environment where they can dress up as say, Slutty Cinderella, one day a year is ideal. After all, they're not damaging their own reputation, they're just acting like Slutty Cinderella. And we all know how slutty Slutty Cinderella is. That whore.
As to the fact that guys DON'T need this reassurance, let me let you in on a little secret: guys really love costumes. A good costume can skyrocket a guy's confidence to superhuman levels, to the point where actual physical appearance doesn't really matter that much anymore. They don't need to show off their ripped abs if they can be an awesome space pirate from the future. If a costume lacks any noticeable pelvic bulges, it's perfectly fine, because for tonight he's CAPTAIN PLANET, and no man nor woman nor beast can shake him.
This may be the testosterone talking, but I do love me some dressing up and prancing around. Just making people think you're someone else for a night is fantastic, especially if that person you're dressing up as is way cooler than you'll ever be on your best day. So, to answer the question I think that men and women both have the same goal on Halloween, just go about it in different ways. Dressing up as a faceless, shapeless ghost probably wouldn't cut it for a woman, and being Slutty Princess Jasmine for a night wouldn't do much for me. Well, maybe.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Where's the Costume?
Halloween can mean many different things in today’s society. For some girls, the definition is “Dress as slutty as you want and get away with it” day, while for others it is defined as a day where anybody can be whoever they want to be. So, why do many women choose to portray themselves as prostitutes or hookers? Why do some men go out of their way to look scary or simply unattractive?
In my opinion, the reason why some girls choose to dress up in a very revealing and inappropriate manner is because they think they will get positive attention from men. In the minds of these girls, their bodies and overall appearance is what attracts men to them, therefore they use Halloween as an opportunity to flaunt themselves in order to get attention from the opposite sex. So, why is it considered “Okay” for them to dress like this on Halloween but not on a random Tuesday in March? I think it is because of something that has happened over a long period of time. Usually, for Halloween, everyone finds a nice costume to put on in order to impress other people. My guess is that it has become this way because of a competition factor between girls over their costumes. If every girl in the room has on jeans and sweatshirts, and one girl is wearing a bikini, who is going to get all of the attention? Obviously, the girl in the bikini will. Therefore, almost every other girl in that room will try to dress a little more revealing at the next Halloween party so that they can be that girl, the one who catches every man’s eye.
However, there is another factor added to the equation, otherwise girls would simply wear nothing but lingerie around even in January. If a girl walks down the street in a very revealing outfit, people can assume that she is that type of a person. Most guys would probably take a look at her and think, even if she is very skinny and pretty, that she has been around the block a few more times than you can count on one hand…or five hands. Therefore, people will automatically label that girl as a “Slut.” However, if a girl simply puts on a “Costume” of that same revealing fashion, she is not considered a slut because she is not herself for that night. She is someone else, and in this girl’s mind and the minds of a many others, the actual girl is not a slut, but her character is. In my opinion, that is why girls wear extremely revealing costumes on Halloween.
On the other hand, many men dress up as interesting characters for Halloween. Some men dress up as women, scary creatures, or some type of a macho man, just to name a few. In my opinion, these men are also trying to get a message across to the opposite sex. While these girls are trying to portray themselves as an object for sex, men are trying to show off a feature of their personality. For instance, one man might dress up as a woman or a funny character in order to show people, especially woman, that he has a sense of humor. He might dress up as a superhero to show others how strong he can be. Or, he might dress up as something completely original to show off his creativity, just as many women might also do. I think the reason why men don’t dress up as “Sexy” characters is because women are generally more attracted to personality and humor, which can be portrayed in other ways than dressing as male models or strippers.
Overall, I believe the difference in costumes occurs because of the different types of attraction among males and females. One example of this would be in movies, where most of the guys fall in love with the skinny girl in a bikini while the girls fall in love with the macho man or the superhero. Even though movies are far from reality, they represent what many people fantasize about and therefore try to recreate on Halloween.
In my opinion, the reason why some girls choose to dress up in a very revealing and inappropriate manner is because they think they will get positive attention from men. In the minds of these girls, their bodies and overall appearance is what attracts men to them, therefore they use Halloween as an opportunity to flaunt themselves in order to get attention from the opposite sex. So, why is it considered “Okay” for them to dress like this on Halloween but not on a random Tuesday in March? I think it is because of something that has happened over a long period of time. Usually, for Halloween, everyone finds a nice costume to put on in order to impress other people. My guess is that it has become this way because of a competition factor between girls over their costumes. If every girl in the room has on jeans and sweatshirts, and one girl is wearing a bikini, who is going to get all of the attention? Obviously, the girl in the bikini will. Therefore, almost every other girl in that room will try to dress a little more revealing at the next Halloween party so that they can be that girl, the one who catches every man’s eye.
However, there is another factor added to the equation, otherwise girls would simply wear nothing but lingerie around even in January. If a girl walks down the street in a very revealing outfit, people can assume that she is that type of a person. Most guys would probably take a look at her and think, even if she is very skinny and pretty, that she has been around the block a few more times than you can count on one hand…or five hands. Therefore, people will automatically label that girl as a “Slut.” However, if a girl simply puts on a “Costume” of that same revealing fashion, she is not considered a slut because she is not herself for that night. She is someone else, and in this girl’s mind and the minds of a many others, the actual girl is not a slut, but her character is. In my opinion, that is why girls wear extremely revealing costumes on Halloween.
On the other hand, many men dress up as interesting characters for Halloween. Some men dress up as women, scary creatures, or some type of a macho man, just to name a few. In my opinion, these men are also trying to get a message across to the opposite sex. While these girls are trying to portray themselves as an object for sex, men are trying to show off a feature of their personality. For instance, one man might dress up as a woman or a funny character in order to show people, especially woman, that he has a sense of humor. He might dress up as a superhero to show others how strong he can be. Or, he might dress up as something completely original to show off his creativity, just as many women might also do. I think the reason why men don’t dress up as “Sexy” characters is because women are generally more attracted to personality and humor, which can be portrayed in other ways than dressing as male models or strippers.
Overall, I believe the difference in costumes occurs because of the different types of attraction among males and females. One example of this would be in movies, where most of the guys fall in love with the skinny girl in a bikini while the girls fall in love with the macho man or the superhero. Even though movies are far from reality, they represent what many people fantasize about and therefore try to recreate on Halloween.
Halloween
Well, this is an unforeseen departure from our normal entries. Instead of the commentary on Fight Club that I was expecting, I'm writing about wanton Halloween costumes. Odd.
Now, I grew up in the country. Trick-or-treating for me and my brothers wasn't the affair that most of you probably remember from your childhood. We went to my grandparents and got donuts, we went to my aunt's house and got brownies, and we went to our neighbors (and by neighbors, I mean the only other house in sight) and got oatmeal cookies from Mrs. Schuck, and candy from Mr. Schuck as soon as her back was turned. We didn't put much into our costumes - I stole one of my dad's lab coats, filled the pockets with pens, and went as a nerd. When our parents offered to just give us candy each year instead of taking us out trick-or-treating, we accepted happily. So the costumes I've just seen, courtesy of the local costume shops' Halloween ads, are a bit of a shock. The most modest ladies costume I've seen yet, if worn in Brookville (the only town close to where I grew up that deserves the name) would cause people to assume that its wearer was a prostitute. As a matter of fact, any costume-wearing adult would be looked at oddly - Halloween is for kids, after all. I'd like to point out, therefore, that my credentials on this topic are nonexistent.
That said, the reason that the Samhein festival/All-Hallowed-Eve has turned into an excuse for women to dress immodestly is the same reason that Saturnalia/pre-Lent festivities (Mardi Gras) have turned into a topless bead-gathering contest, Yule/Sol Invictus/ Christmas has turned into a commercial exchange, and Valentine's Day and a hundred lesser holidays were invented. Humanity, as a rule, enjoys disobedience. Fight Club - knew I'd work it in somehow - contains a perfect example. Tyler is getting satisfaction out of causing trouble - fouling food, stealing clothes, and so on. Holidays seldom retain any significance other than a pre-approved excuse to act in a fashion that would never otherwise be acceptable.
Now, as to why women wear such revealing outfits and men as a rule do not (The reason there are no " sexy Freddy Kruegers" is that such a costume would be nausea-inducing) I am at somewhat of a loss. It could simply be common sense - the female costumes I've seen look cold, uncomfortable, and skimpy, while the men's costumes run from full-body suits to T-shirts saying "This is my costume." That hypothesis, however, falls when we realize that women are every bit as sensible as men, if not more so. It can't simply be a greater desire for attention - vanity is equal between the sexes, and besides, men are perfectly capable of ogling a girl wearing an Eskimo parka. Stephanie Rosenbloom, in an essay on this topic, suggests that it makes the girls feel independent and self-reliant - but I refuse to believe that so much of the population could be insecure enough to need to run outside in its underwear.
The explanation I favor is that this can be blamed on generalizations of those in the costume industry. Let's take Stan Smith, the costume designer. Now because "everyone knows" that girls care more about their appearance, Stan decides to make sure that his costumes will get attention. Of course, the best way to get a man's attention, as "everyone knows", is to use the inverse material-attention law (the amount of material in any garment is directly inverse to the amount of attention paid to female occupier of aforementioned garment). So, Stan makes sure his costumes are as close to lingerie as possible without breaking the indecent exposure laws. Men, on the other hand, as "everyone knows", just want to throw on a costume fast so they can, depending on their age, get to the candy or alcohol faster. So Stan makes costumes such as the beer can, slice of pizza, and Grim Reaper. (Women have a Grim Reaper costume too, of course, but...see for yourself. Male and Female.)
People keep buying them because that's what sold, and companies keep selling them because that's what sells. A vicious cycle, eh? So until those generalizations are realized to be true in percentile only, instead of universally true, this will continue.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to get a ninja costume.
Now, I grew up in the country. Trick-or-treating for me and my brothers wasn't the affair that most of you probably remember from your childhood. We went to my grandparents and got donuts, we went to my aunt's house and got brownies, and we went to our neighbors (and by neighbors, I mean the only other house in sight) and got oatmeal cookies from Mrs. Schuck, and candy from Mr. Schuck as soon as her back was turned. We didn't put much into our costumes - I stole one of my dad's lab coats, filled the pockets with pens, and went as a nerd. When our parents offered to just give us candy each year instead of taking us out trick-or-treating, we accepted happily. So the costumes I've just seen, courtesy of the local costume shops' Halloween ads, are a bit of a shock. The most modest ladies costume I've seen yet, if worn in Brookville (the only town close to where I grew up that deserves the name) would cause people to assume that its wearer was a prostitute. As a matter of fact, any costume-wearing adult would be looked at oddly - Halloween is for kids, after all. I'd like to point out, therefore, that my credentials on this topic are nonexistent.
That said, the reason that the Samhein festival/All-Hallowed-Eve has turned into an excuse for women to dress immodestly is the same reason that Saturnalia/pre-Lent festivities (Mardi Gras) have turned into a topless bead-gathering contest, Yule/Sol Invictus/ Christmas has turned into a commercial exchange, and Valentine's Day and a hundred lesser holidays were invented. Humanity, as a rule, enjoys disobedience. Fight Club - knew I'd work it in somehow - contains a perfect example. Tyler is getting satisfaction out of causing trouble - fouling food, stealing clothes, and so on. Holidays seldom retain any significance other than a pre-approved excuse to act in a fashion that would never otherwise be acceptable.
Now, as to why women wear such revealing outfits and men as a rule do not (The reason there are no " sexy Freddy Kruegers" is that such a costume would be nausea-inducing) I am at somewhat of a loss. It could simply be common sense - the female costumes I've seen look cold, uncomfortable, and skimpy, while the men's costumes run from full-body suits to T-shirts saying "This is my costume." That hypothesis, however, falls when we realize that women are every bit as sensible as men, if not more so. It can't simply be a greater desire for attention - vanity is equal between the sexes, and besides, men are perfectly capable of ogling a girl wearing an Eskimo parka. Stephanie Rosenbloom, in an essay on this topic, suggests that it makes the girls feel independent and self-reliant - but I refuse to believe that so much of the population could be insecure enough to need to run outside in its underwear.
The explanation I favor is that this can be blamed on generalizations of those in the costume industry. Let's take Stan Smith, the costume designer. Now because "everyone knows" that girls care more about their appearance, Stan decides to make sure that his costumes will get attention. Of course, the best way to get a man's attention, as "everyone knows", is to use the inverse material-attention law (the amount of material in any garment is directly inverse to the amount of attention paid to female occupier of aforementioned garment). So, Stan makes sure his costumes are as close to lingerie as possible without breaking the indecent exposure laws. Men, on the other hand, as "everyone knows", just want to throw on a costume fast so they can, depending on their age, get to the candy or alcohol faster. So Stan makes costumes such as the beer can, slice of pizza, and Grim Reaper. (Women have a Grim Reaper costume too, of course, but...see for yourself. Male and Female.)
People keep buying them because that's what sold, and companies keep selling them because that's what sells. A vicious cycle, eh? So until those generalizations are realized to be true in percentile only, instead of universally true, this will continue.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to get a ninja costume.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Insert Title about Something There (not here but there)
Masculinity is a culturally defined attribute that is expected to exist in men. What exactly masculinity is varies from culture to culture and is taught to young men by a variety of sources. The most universal source of education about masculinity, or manliness, is the family. The parents of a child, in most circumstances mainly the father but sometimes primarily the mother, will be the ones who hold the most influence over what he thinks concerning how he should live his life. Children often learn by observing and by watching his father a young boy learns how he is expected to live. Depending on how integrated his family is into the society he can also be taught by other men from his environment and there may even be institutionalized education that he goes through to confer upon him the knowledge that society thinks he needs concerning manhood. Many societies also portray for the developing generation how a man should be through what they consider to be ideal role models from history and myths such as Beowulf, King Arthur, Hercules, or Genghis Khan (he is basically an icon for Mongolian children). The attributes of these role models are as varied as the cultures that they represent and even the focus of what made the man masculine was changes with time as the society changes its definition for masculinity. In more recent American culture masculinity as defined for the vast majority of men is focused less on societal needs and more on self centered protection of an appearance of masculinity.
Men Will Be Men
| We live in a society today where masculinity is a fairly serious issue. Men constantly want to prove to women and other men that they are masculine, and hold all of the qualities that are typical of the average man. When we first think of the word “masculine,” we think of someone who is strong, can defend himself, and perhaps swears and drinks when he’s with all of his buddies. But there are also the qualities less thought about, such as being the traditional “family man.” That is, providing for his wife and children, keeping them safe, and doing what he can to be the man of the household. But let’s focus on the way men act when they are in different situations. Men usually behave much differently with their other male friends than they do when they are with a group of females. For example, when a guy is with his buds at a bar, eating peanuts, drinking, and watching the game, you can expect there is going to be a lot of swearing, loud talk, and laughing. Also, his posture and attire will say a lot about the way he acts as well- he’ll probably be slouching in his chair (perhaps with his legs apart), slapping high-fives every now and then, and he’ll most likely be dressed in jeans and his favorite old t-shirt. However, if a guy is on a group date with his girlfriend and another couple, he’ll be much more sensitive to the fact that he’s in the presence of women, and he’ll tone his language down, sit upright and polite, and be a respectful gentleman. Not to mention he’ll be dressed in his best suit and tie (which the girlfriend definitely told him he had to wear). But just like the saying “Boys will be boys,” men will be men, and no one can really control them except maybe themselves. |
The Concept of Masculinity
I define masculinity as the portrayal of all qualities that embody being a man. However, in order to determine masculinity from my definition, one must define what it is to truly be a man. In our culture, one could argue that a boy becomes a man on their 18th birthday when they are legally adults. Others might argue that males become men on their 21st birthday when they can legally drink alcohol. However, I feel that becoming a man isn't based on one's age. I believe that in order to truly be a man, one must live a morally righteous life and find a greater purpose which is beneficial to humanity. As a result, becoming a man isn't an inherent right that all males are entitled to and there are many older males who are not real men because they don't lead lifestyles that my definition entails.
In essence, Masculinity doesn't have to be shown through extraordinary acts of strength or super heroic acts. Masculinity is illustrated in everyday men that work to support their families and put food on the table. Masculinity is portrayed when a man volunteers to help the needy. It is epitomized by males who live morally righteous, purpose-driven lives in which they benefit to the good of humanity.
In essence, Masculinity doesn't have to be shown through extraordinary acts of strength or super heroic acts. Masculinity is illustrated in everyday men that work to support their families and put food on the table. Masculinity is portrayed when a man volunteers to help the needy. It is epitomized by males who live morally righteous, purpose-driven lives in which they benefit to the good of humanity.
What is Masculine
One of the reasons why Brokeback Mountain was so contreversial was because it abandoned the standards of manly interactions. Gernerally men look at eachother, but do not stare or linger. Eye contact between males is kept to a minimum. A handshake, or "half-hug" between good friends after a long absense is generally accepted as a greeting, but starit men are never pictured kissing hello in American culture. Wrestling is o.k. as long as there isn't an embrace afterward. This is the picture we get of men every day when we turn on the TV or watch a movie, even in a magazine this idea of the strong masculine man is what we are constantly exposed to.
In the real world not every man likes blue, some like pink. Some men are friendlier with eachother than others, but these societal norms are drilled into our headds and they seem to become standard.
Brokeback Mountain shows us men who act contrary to what we are used to seeing, but men just the same. I think it is extremly important for alternate lifestlyes to be portrayed on screen. We are not cookie-cutter people, I think unique personalities make for better characters.
In the real world not every man likes blue, some like pink. Some men are friendlier with eachother than others, but these societal norms are drilled into our headds and they seem to become standard.
Brokeback Mountain shows us men who act contrary to what we are used to seeing, but men just the same. I think it is extremly important for alternate lifestlyes to be portrayed on screen. We are not cookie-cutter people, I think unique personalities make for better characters.
Sorry, you're still not a man.
If you've ever watched cable television past 11pm, (or listened to certain radio stations) then you know what I'm talking about when I say that a good proportion of society's idea of masculinity has to do with size and sexual performance. I am an avid fan of the NFL Network, (which relies on a mostly male audience,) but when I watch it late at night, it seems as though every other commercial is for enzyte or extenze or some other "all natural male enhancement" or "performance enhancer" or product for better stamina or performance. It seems as though you're not a man if you aren't great in the sack.
As far as society is concerned, sex is everything, and if a man can't deliver in bed, then he's not really a man. And if you're not banging multiple chicks, you're not a man, and if you're not blah blah blah. I really can't stand any of it anymore, as if the United States isn't already so obsessed with sex. All day everyday it seems to be all we hear about, so if you're not gettin' any, then well, you get the picture.
Of course, there's the double standard in effect as well. A man really isn't a man unless he's a man-whore, but if you happen to be a promiscuous lady, then you're just a dirty slut. What is that all about? Just as it's unfair to judge a woman for having too much sex, it's not fair to judge a man for not having enough. But, society says you're not a man if you aren't getting any.
(But don't think that if you are getting any that makes you a man, because if you're not big enough, and you don't please the ladies, then you're still not a man, sorry.)
As far as society is concerned, sex is everything, and if a man can't deliver in bed, then he's not really a man. And if you're not banging multiple chicks, you're not a man, and if you're not blah blah blah. I really can't stand any of it anymore, as if the United States isn't already so obsessed with sex. All day everyday it seems to be all we hear about, so if you're not gettin' any, then well, you get the picture.
Of course, there's the double standard in effect as well. A man really isn't a man unless he's a man-whore, but if you happen to be a promiscuous lady, then you're just a dirty slut. What is that all about? Just as it's unfair to judge a woman for having too much sex, it's not fair to judge a man for not having enough. But, society says you're not a man if you aren't getting any.
(But don't think that if you are getting any that makes you a man, because if you're not big enough, and you don't please the ladies, then you're still not a man, sorry.)
Bathroom Masculinity
As I began thinking about this blog entry, I remembered something I saw posted on the wall of a bathroom in my residence hall. The flier called “The Poop Scoop” featured an article entitled “The Epitome of Manliness continued: The Man Beast.” The article basically narrowed manliness down to two traits: strength and determination.
Strength, as a fundamental canon of manliness, implies that a man must be able to protect his woman and children. In the article examples of how to be manlier are given: “Spear tackle a large moose, rhinoceros, or Kodiak bear,” the picture adjacent to the article is of Arnold Schwarzenegger, with no shirt on and muscles rippling, holding a baby doll. The picture, in contrast with the rest of the article, suggests that there is more to being a man than brute strength.
Another manly attribute expressed in the article is determination. While the article only represents the physical aspect of determination, “Run up Slayter Hill carrying a large boulder while screaming out your own personal war cry,” it also suggests some other mental attribute that leads men to be more determined in other areas. Whether as a provider, caretaker or whatever task a man sets himself to doing, the superseding characteristic is that a man will accomplish his goals and with vigor.
While a reader found in a men’s restroom may not be the best resource for the tenets of masculinity, it does offer some insight into how the average male believes men should be defined. Although the article is riddled with dry satire, it suggests that there is more to being a man than the traits discussed. Being a man in the metaphorical sense is not something that an outward observer can readily tell.
Defining Masculinity
Masculinity is created in many ways and how it is shown varies through each culture. In the general American culture the road to masculinity is paved for the males immediately after birth with the color blue. Into childhood little boys are encouraged to rough-house; play with guns and action figures and not to cry. A firm step into the creation of masculinity in America is the playing of sports. Sometimes it serves for a father a son to bond and it also can train the boy to endure pain and make him capable to build up a tolerance. Masculinity in other cultures can be proved through various rituals; in the practice of Judaism there is a Bar Mitzvah. This is the coming of age ceremony for the Jewish boy, when he has reached the age of thirteen. It is said that the ceremony marks a time when they will be responsible for their own actions. Another coming of age ritual is actually one that I participated in. It is called the Beautillion; it serves as a rites of passage program for African American juniors and seniors in high school. The beautillion’s purpose was to teach the young men to cooperate with each other and also make them better “gentlemen”. It taught us various things that men should and how respectable men should act. Masculinity is merely described by one’s culture, values and surroundings; whether it be hunting regularly to growing a full beard, masculinity cannot be described by one thing.
The Universal Definition of Masculinity
I believe that at the beginning of the world, God created both men and women. In each of these two types of human He instilled certain basic characteristics, whether they pertain to size, physical attributes, emotions, interests, behavior, or desires. Those that He instilled in men have become the mold that is generally referred to as masculinity, and those He instilled to women have been named femininity. These characteristics are the basics that come naturally to their respective genders.
It is plain to see that there is something in the male gender that has caused males to generally like certain things, dress certain ways, behave in certain ways, appreciate certain things, and desire certain things. Because the majority of males have these general things in common, this set of general “things” has stereotypically been labeled as masculinity. Therefore, society tends to define masculinity as what is typical of the male gender. This is the universal definition of masculinity. Generally, if a male does not abide according to this definition of masculinity, he is seen as odd or is altogether shunned.
Therefore, with masculinity being defined as what is typical of the male gender, there is one more variable that comes into play: location. In one country, what is typical of the male gender may be completely different or even the total opposite of what is typical of a male in another country. One culture may see swearing and using vulgar language as masculine, while another may view it as childish and a sign of weakness. Thus, in reality, the definition of masculinity varies simply because the trend of typical male behavior varies.
It is plain to see that there is something in the male gender that has caused males to generally like certain things, dress certain ways, behave in certain ways, appreciate certain things, and desire certain things. Because the majority of males have these general things in common, this set of general “things” has stereotypically been labeled as masculinity. Therefore, society tends to define masculinity as what is typical of the male gender. This is the universal definition of masculinity. Generally, if a male does not abide according to this definition of masculinity, he is seen as odd or is altogether shunned.
Therefore, with masculinity being defined as what is typical of the male gender, there is one more variable that comes into play: location. In one country, what is typical of the male gender may be completely different or even the total opposite of what is typical of a male in another country. One culture may see swearing and using vulgar language as masculine, while another may view it as childish and a sign of weakness. Thus, in reality, the definition of masculinity varies simply because the trend of typical male behavior varies.
What defines a man? Is it his rough exterior? His lack of emotions? His determination? His metal arms and legs? I'm sorry, but that sounds more like a robot than any sort of man I know. Society has led the trail of masculinity down a bad road. Once, not long ago, the most respected men were the scholars, poets, and intellectuals. Now, it's the thugs, the rednecks, and the buff Californian senators. Don't you think it's about time we turned it around?
My definition of manhood has always been somewhat conflicting with the norm. As a child, my dad never hunter, never watched sports, and never told me that I had to do anything to be a man. Far from blaming him for that, I think it was the best thing he could have done for me. He allowed me to become my own man, without him trying to make me who he wanted me to be. This fact has made me observe a lot of odd happenings in man life.
For instance, many men I know actually have feelings. I know, weird, right? But it's true. They just have to hide them because that's what's expected of them. Another example is the fact that many of my friends aren't slack-jawed womanizers! Astounding, when you stop to think about it. All sarcasm aside, the stereotypes set upon men are, in most cases, just not true. Sure, there are always those men who will embody the standards, but honestly, who cares? Those guys are probably assholes.
My definition of manhood has always been somewhat conflicting with the norm. As a child, my dad never hunter, never watched sports, and never told me that I had to do anything to be a man. Far from blaming him for that, I think it was the best thing he could have done for me. He allowed me to become my own man, without him trying to make me who he wanted me to be. This fact has made me observe a lot of odd happenings in man life.
For instance, many men I know actually have feelings. I know, weird, right? But it's true. They just have to hide them because that's what's expected of them. Another example is the fact that many of my friends aren't slack-jawed womanizers! Astounding, when you stop to think about it. All sarcasm aside, the stereotypes set upon men are, in most cases, just not true. Sure, there are always those men who will embody the standards, but honestly, who cares? Those guys are probably assholes.
Well, a REAL man...
Masculinity is a difficult thing to define. The perception of manliness depends on a huge amount of variables, such as location, age, occupation, etc. Nevertheless, the media continues to attempt to box up this idea of male gender roles and deliver it to the public.
While trying to decide certain universal qualities involved in the definition of masculinity, I came upon one idea that has, unfortunately, become common: lack of intelligence. Think about it; the geeks and nerds of the world will probably never be considered “manly”. The poetry-reading intellectual may be attractive to some women, but most men would not consider it masculine. Rather, a true man is someone too busy shooting deer or picking up chicks to bother with a real education. The only way intelligence would be considered a truly masculine characteristic is if it was paired with various other “manly” qualities, like physical strength or power.
This is another feature that tends to be synonymous with manliness – power and superiority. Every man I have ever had contact with hates to lose, even if he doesn’t admit it. Society’s true man does not come to terms that another man is better than him very easily. But real men never have to worry about other men – they’re simply the best at everything they do. Whether it is physical strength, paycheck, or lady friends, a truly masculine man succeeds in all aspects of his life. Why else would sports be conventionally categorized with males? Or, how else would one explain the stereotypical situation of men getting in fights over the slightest jab at their egos?
While trying to decide certain universal qualities involved in the definition of masculinity, I came upon one idea that has, unfortunately, become common: lack of intelligence. Think about it; the geeks and nerds of the world will probably never be considered “manly”. The poetry-reading intellectual may be attractive to some women, but most men would not consider it masculine. Rather, a true man is someone too busy shooting deer or picking up chicks to bother with a real education. The only way intelligence would be considered a truly masculine characteristic is if it was paired with various other “manly” qualities, like physical strength or power.
This is another feature that tends to be synonymous with manliness – power and superiority. Every man I have ever had contact with hates to lose, even if he doesn’t admit it. Society’s true man does not come to terms that another man is better than him very easily. But real men never have to worry about other men – they’re simply the best at everything they do. Whether it is physical strength, paycheck, or lady friends, a truly masculine man succeeds in all aspects of his life. Why else would sports be conventionally categorized with males? Or, how else would one explain the stereotypical situation of men getting in fights over the slightest jab at their egos?
Do You Measure Up?
In today's society being male comes with certain expectations and when these expectations are not meet a males masculinity is questioned. The media is one of the main sources that creates these expectations. As a female, I have viewed masculinity as being strong and stoic when it comes to expressing emotion. However, I am beginning to realize that these qualities are not necessarily what defines a mans masculinity.
Wrestling, sports, and beer advertisements are all designed to appeal to mostly men. This creates for the stereotype that all men should be interested in these kinds of things. Although this may not necessarily be the case the media create the stigma that if a man does not like these kinds of things then he is not "manly." Also, If women are into sports and things that are mostly considered to be for men they are considered to be tomboys.
In order to fit these expectations men sometimes do things to establish their masculinity, even if this means doing things that are not true to their character. They over exaggerate what people think is "manly" so they will not appear to be feminine. Men who do not fit these expectations are often made fun of and considered to be feminine. This is why men work so hard to establish their masculinity so they will be accepted. Even simple things like haircuts and they way men greet each other boils down to upholding a certain degree of what is considered masculine. In America it is uncommon to see two men greet each other by kissing and hugging, instead they greet with a handshake. Also, when men grow their hair long they masculinity is questioned unless they compensate by being overly masculine in other areas of their life.
Being a female I often view the concept of masculinity as a struggle. Often times when women try to do things that are normally considered masculine, they are criticized. Things such as being a sports enthusiast or even wanting to play sports that are usually male dominating can be challenging. This is why most women shy away from doing these types of things because they do not want to appear as being too masculine. Although, society is becoming a little more lenient with accepting those who venture away from what is usually considered masculine, there are still many stigmas when it comes to not following these expectations.
Wrestling, sports, and beer advertisements are all designed to appeal to mostly men. This creates for the stereotype that all men should be interested in these kinds of things. Although this may not necessarily be the case the media create the stigma that if a man does not like these kinds of things then he is not "manly." Also, If women are into sports and things that are mostly considered to be for men they are considered to be tomboys.
In order to fit these expectations men sometimes do things to establish their masculinity, even if this means doing things that are not true to their character. They over exaggerate what people think is "manly" so they will not appear to be feminine. Men who do not fit these expectations are often made fun of and considered to be feminine. This is why men work so hard to establish their masculinity so they will be accepted. Even simple things like haircuts and they way men greet each other boils down to upholding a certain degree of what is considered masculine. In America it is uncommon to see two men greet each other by kissing and hugging, instead they greet with a handshake. Also, when men grow their hair long they masculinity is questioned unless they compensate by being overly masculine in other areas of their life.
Being a female I often view the concept of masculinity as a struggle. Often times when women try to do things that are normally considered masculine, they are criticized. Things such as being a sports enthusiast or even wanting to play sports that are usually male dominating can be challenging. This is why most women shy away from doing these types of things because they do not want to appear as being too masculine. Although, society is becoming a little more lenient with accepting those who venture away from what is usually considered masculine, there are still many stigmas when it comes to not following these expectations.
Masculinity
Being an only child, I’ve sort of had to function as both a daughter and a son. On one hand, I would have my mom buying me dresses and putting all sorts of weird things into my hair, and on the other, I would have my dad taking me fishing and hiking. As a result, I’ve never liked the idea of masculinity/femininity/hermaphroditism. I think that as people within a certain culture have different personalities, so do people within the two-and-a-half genders.
It’s undeniable, nonetheless, that there are standards outlined by society for masculinity. In high school, I’d sometimes be confused for a guy (I’d be called man, bro, and – the one that really caught me off guard – sir), so I have a vague idea on the matter. I think that men are expected to dress in a casual and simple manner: a baggy pair of jeans/shorts, a random t-shirt, gym shoes/sandals, and short hair (if it’s long, it’s either loose or tied back in a ponytail). Since they don’t go well with the casual image, accessorizing and makeup are also not a part of the masculine image. Other things that are considered to be masculine are work, politics, sports, the outdoors, technology, cars... It basically seems that things that are in some way substantial, and not superfluous, are considered masculine. I think that society expects men to likewise be substantial, and not superfluous, in their character. Although masculinity may be defined differently from culture to culture, I think this basic aspect remains in all cultures.
It’s undeniable, nonetheless, that there are standards outlined by society for masculinity. In high school, I’d sometimes be confused for a guy (I’d be called man, bro, and – the one that really caught me off guard – sir), so I have a vague idea on the matter. I think that men are expected to dress in a casual and simple manner: a baggy pair of jeans/shorts, a random t-shirt, gym shoes/sandals, and short hair (if it’s long, it’s either loose or tied back in a ponytail). Since they don’t go well with the casual image, accessorizing and makeup are also not a part of the masculine image. Other things that are considered to be masculine are work, politics, sports, the outdoors, technology, cars... It basically seems that things that are in some way substantial, and not superfluous, are considered masculine. I think that society expects men to likewise be substantial, and not superfluous, in their character. Although masculinity may be defined differently from culture to culture, I think this basic aspect remains in all cultures.
Be a Man...
Masculine: having qualities traditionally ascribed to men, as strength and boldness. Even though this definition of masculinity is very vague and politically correct, there are many qualities of masculinity that are very specific and vary according to age, location, culture, and religion. For instance, when I was growing up in rural Indiana, my older brother and I were treated and perceived very differently. My parents always put “manly” toys in front of him, such as tractors and Hot Wheels cars, while they always gave me Barbie dolls and stuffed animals. Even though my parents would have accepted both of us no matter what we did, they tried to raise us the best they could according to how they were raised. As he and I grew up, my brother was always expected to help Dad in the fields, driving combines and fixing tractors, while I was never allowed to touch the inside of a tractor without Dad right beside me. That was just something boys were supposed to learn and girls weren’t in my family, and everyone simply accepted that.
In addition to farming, there were always many activities that were considered masculine where I grew up, such as fishing, hunting, camping, riding four-wheelers, playing football or wrestling, and anything mischievous, such as corning or cow tipping. In other locations, such as large cities, I’m sure not all men go cow tipping every weekend, but there are a set of specific activities that are considered “normal” for men to do, such as playing poker or videogames, or any type of sports.
Masculinity is not only defined by hobbies or activities. Clothing is also a way to define masculinity, in that men are “supposed” to wear baggy clothing in colors excluding pink and purple, since those colors are considered feminine. In addition, language can be a form of masculinity, in which men aren’t “supposed” to talk about makeup or manicures or the latest edition of Cosmo. Furthermore, men are supposed to be built bigger than women, which makes them seem more superior and masculine.
Even though these qualities can vary for different locations or cultures, every society has certain rules that men must follow in order to be considered masculine. Therefore, society has the ability to define masculinity in a way that goes beyond Webster’s definition.
In addition to farming, there were always many activities that were considered masculine where I grew up, such as fishing, hunting, camping, riding four-wheelers, playing football or wrestling, and anything mischievous, such as corning or cow tipping. In other locations, such as large cities, I’m sure not all men go cow tipping every weekend, but there are a set of specific activities that are considered “normal” for men to do, such as playing poker or videogames, or any type of sports.
Masculinity is not only defined by hobbies or activities. Clothing is also a way to define masculinity, in that men are “supposed” to wear baggy clothing in colors excluding pink and purple, since those colors are considered feminine. In addition, language can be a form of masculinity, in which men aren’t “supposed” to talk about makeup or manicures or the latest edition of Cosmo. Furthermore, men are supposed to be built bigger than women, which makes them seem more superior and masculine.
Even though these qualities can vary for different locations or cultures, every society has certain rules that men must follow in order to be considered masculine. Therefore, society has the ability to define masculinity in a way that goes beyond Webster’s definition.
What it Means to be Masculine
This weekend I had a conversation with a friend that surprisingly pertains considerably to the subject of this week's blog. We were in the car lisening to a song, "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter", and he began to criticize the song. Although not my favorite song either, I didn't have a huge problem with it so I asked what he found so appalling about it. He replied that it "just wasn't a very masculine song". This intrigued me. What does it mean to be masculine? Is Ozzy Osbourne more masculine than Daniel Powter? Why, because Daniel Powter sings about having a bad day and Ozzy Osbourne sings about hell and fire? Or because Ozzy Osbourne bites off the heads of animals? Is decapitating animals somehow linked to the male gender? I think the idea of masculinity varies for everyone, but magazines, tv shows, and movies continue to shape the world's perception of what exactly it is to be a man.
My dad is from Chicago, Illinois. His idea of masculinity consists of sports and cars, both of whicih he invests a lot of his time. Although I haven't met either of my grandfathers, I've heard many stories about both. One's idea of masculinity consisted of cursing and consuming large amounts of alcohol. The other's consisted of hunting and being reserved. My brother considers making a lot of money a sign of masculinity. My other brother thinks driving a nice truck makes him a man. Why these attributes? The majority of this answer probably comes from how each individual was brought up and how the community in which they lived viewed masculinity. Most individuals are scared to be portrayed as "different". Reading poetry isn't a traditional attribute of most men so instead of reading poetry and chance being looked at as a sissy, men go to the gym to lift weights. We are constantly bombarded with the traditional views of what it is to be either a man or a woman, and if we try to challenge those views we become targets for ridicule.
My idea of masculinity is a little different. It seems many men are so concerned with looking like a man that they lose sight of what it really means. Many children today are growing up without fathers. I think first and foremost to be a man (or anyone really) you have to be able to take responsibility for your actions. The cussing, brawling, and other "manly" characteristics are just camouflage for insecurities.
My dad is from Chicago, Illinois. His idea of masculinity consists of sports and cars, both of whicih he invests a lot of his time. Although I haven't met either of my grandfathers, I've heard many stories about both. One's idea of masculinity consisted of cursing and consuming large amounts of alcohol. The other's consisted of hunting and being reserved. My brother considers making a lot of money a sign of masculinity. My other brother thinks driving a nice truck makes him a man. Why these attributes? The majority of this answer probably comes from how each individual was brought up and how the community in which they lived viewed masculinity. Most individuals are scared to be portrayed as "different". Reading poetry isn't a traditional attribute of most men so instead of reading poetry and chance being looked at as a sissy, men go to the gym to lift weights. We are constantly bombarded with the traditional views of what it is to be either a man or a woman, and if we try to challenge those views we become targets for ridicule.
My idea of masculinity is a little different. It seems many men are so concerned with looking like a man that they lose sight of what it really means. Many children today are growing up without fathers. I think first and foremost to be a man (or anyone really) you have to be able to take responsibility for your actions. The cussing, brawling, and other "manly" characteristics are just camouflage for insecurities.
Defining Masculinity
This is an interesting topic to assign to a short journal entry, considering there are entire branches of psychology dedicated to just this idea. This idea of masculinity is inherently difficult to describe, because, like culture itself, the concept of masculinity is fluid and changes based on countless factors. We several in class, such as age, location, and socio-economic background. One's view of masculinity is also as diverse as the population. With divorce rates as high as they currently are which translates into large amounts of single parent families, paternal role models are as likely to be the father as someone else, which means even more diversity in the development of these ideas that make up masculinity for both male and female children. The reason I bring up childhood development is because that is when most of us form our views based on those around us. These particular conceptions are some of the most difficult to break because since they are made at a young age, they are ingrained into our personality. Hence the current controversy over the general acceptance of homosexuality into our culture through various issues, including gay marriage. I think that now rather than past, people are starting to understand that being homosexual doesn't change the fact that you are still a human being with equal rights as the rest of us. In my generation, this instillation of fear about homosexuality has greatly faded and as we start rising to prominence, things will change for the better.
The Masculine: Chicago vs. Virginia vs. Me
Growing up in Chicago, the masculine was almost entirely created by who was the hardest. Even as little boys we all fought and got in trouble as a way to prove how hard we were. My grandmother and mother tried to convince some of my male cousins and I that violence was not the answer, but society painted a clear picture daily that completely rebutted their teachings. The “tough guy” was also the “cool guy”. He had to dress and talk with the most up to date fashion that impressed all the girls and he was supposed to make everything look easy. On the south side of Chicago, to be dubbed “the masculine” he would have to constantly prove his manliness or either just fit in with those that do. Athleticism was also a huge masculinity factor, primarily football and basketball because they were the most popular. Guys that played baseball or soccer were harassed unless they were the stars of the team because baseball players wear tight pants and soccer players wear short shorts. Guys were supposed to wear baggy clothes and sometimes it was the bigger the better.
This somewhat changed when I moved to Springfield, Virginia. The masculine was created there still by athleticism, but the clothing norm changed. I realized that wearing baggy clothes was mostly a cultural phenomenon when I saw a lot of guys wearing tighter clothes. In Northern Virginia it was all about embracing your muscles and highlighting your strong attributes as a man. Society said men were supposed to be muscular, but leanness or chubbiness was much more tolerated than in Chicago. Virginian society promoted education much more and good academics were the equivalent of manliness. For some reason, having good grades and being an athlete was more admirable than being an athlete and being cool. Manners were also more prevalent in Virginia, but the occasional burp or fart was surprisingly appropriate.
I think the masculine is created by how a man feels about himself. Although I choose not to wear really tight clothes, I also choose to maintain my manners and etiquette. If you, as a man, are comfortable in your skin and with your sexuality then the masculine is whatever you are. I believe in individualism because there are way too many men in this world for there to exist only a few stereotypes that sum up what it means to be masculine. If we all decide what the masculine means to each of us individually, then maybe we can change these ridiculous stereotypes that society has set because truthfully there is a mixture of masculinity and femininity in all of us.
This somewhat changed when I moved to Springfield, Virginia. The masculine was created there still by athleticism, but the clothing norm changed. I realized that wearing baggy clothes was mostly a cultural phenomenon when I saw a lot of guys wearing tighter clothes. In Northern Virginia it was all about embracing your muscles and highlighting your strong attributes as a man. Society said men were supposed to be muscular, but leanness or chubbiness was much more tolerated than in Chicago. Virginian society promoted education much more and good academics were the equivalent of manliness. For some reason, having good grades and being an athlete was more admirable than being an athlete and being cool. Manners were also more prevalent in Virginia, but the occasional burp or fart was surprisingly appropriate.
I think the masculine is created by how a man feels about himself. Although I choose not to wear really tight clothes, I also choose to maintain my manners and etiquette. If you, as a man, are comfortable in your skin and with your sexuality then the masculine is whatever you are. I believe in individualism because there are way too many men in this world for there to exist only a few stereotypes that sum up what it means to be masculine. If we all decide what the masculine means to each of us individually, then maybe we can change these ridiculous stereotypes that society has set because truthfully there is a mixture of masculinity and femininity in all of us.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Brokeback Controversy
At my high school shortly after Brokeback Mountain's releases, new additions developed in the already rich vernacular of insulting language. One of the most prominent was "brokeback (insert person's name)."
This, I would say, was the typical rural Indiana reaction to the film. The main controversy, I think, revolves around the fact that the stereotype of a typical, macho, red-state-bred, male is broken down. The film transcends the boundaries that have been created surrounding the ideal male image. First of all the men are cowboys, a staple in the American repertoire of uber-male roles along with firefighters and construction workers. Secondly the men come from two true-blooded Christian-conservative states, Texas and Wyoming. Lastly the men are defiling the sacred Christian tradition of marriage, cheating on their wives, with another male nonetheless.
The true controversy lies not in the fact that the men happen to be homosexuals, but that the men match every stereotype of the perceived ideal male specimen. The men engage in their sexual activities while doing the things that males are normally seen doing: camping, fishing, hunting, wrangling sheep, etc.
The controversy stems from the fact that they are regular guys and that any of the regular guys you see everyday could also be a homosexual.
This, I would say, was the typical rural Indiana reaction to the film. The main controversy, I think, revolves around the fact that the stereotype of a typical, macho, red-state-bred, male is broken down. The film transcends the boundaries that have been created surrounding the ideal male image. First of all the men are cowboys, a staple in the American repertoire of uber-male roles along with firefighters and construction workers. Secondly the men come from two true-blooded Christian-conservative states, Texas and Wyoming. Lastly the men are defiling the sacred Christian tradition of marriage, cheating on their wives, with another male nonetheless.
The true controversy lies not in the fact that the men happen to be homosexuals, but that the men match every stereotype of the perceived ideal male specimen. The men engage in their sexual activities while doing the things that males are normally seen doing: camping, fishing, hunting, wrangling sheep, etc.
The controversy stems from the fact that they are regular guys and that any of the regular guys you see everyday could also be a homosexual.
"Broken" from the Stereotypical Mold
A person might say, “There have been many movies over the years which have depicted gay relationships, and those movies didn’t encounter nearly the controversy that Brokeback Mountain has been subject to. Why is that?” It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why Brokeback Mountain has caused such fierce debate among Americans. Brokeback Mountain graphically and explicitly details a homosexual relationship between two men at a time when laws legalizing same-sex marriages and their rights are being wared over in the political world with an amazing level of ferocity. Every week the news reports about issues concerning homosexual rights and people’s opinions about them. So, one might say, “Okay, I recognize that Brokeback Mountain came out at a time when homosexuality is heavily debated, but what about other recent movies that have contained homosexuality? They didn’t cause such controversy!“ Previous films have always been able to get away with showing such a controversial issue because they portray the gay couple in a way that causes the audience to poke fun at the characters and their lifestyle. However, Brokeback Mountain forces the audience to address homosexuality from a totally serious standpoint. Homosexuality is not used as a tool for comic relief. Homosexuality is the movie.
Another reason that so much argument has arisen from the film is that it broke from the stereotype of homosexuality so drastically. The typical mold of homosexuality is a person whom dresses, talks, and acts similar to the opposite gender. Brokeback Mountain has taken two opposite ends of the spectrum and combined them to make their homosexual individuals. It has taken not just two ordinary men, rather two cowboys, and combined them with the lifestyle of homosexuality. Cowboys are stereotyped as tough, macho, masculine, men, and homosexual males are stereotyped as the ultimate feminine male. Should Brokeback Mountain have taken a less extreme combination, such as two midpoints on the spectrum, and combined those into its characters, perhaps a little less controversy would have been provoked.
Another reason that so much argument has arisen from the film is that it broke from the stereotype of homosexuality so drastically. The typical mold of homosexuality is a person whom dresses, talks, and acts similar to the opposite gender. Brokeback Mountain has taken two opposite ends of the spectrum and combined them to make their homosexual individuals. It has taken not just two ordinary men, rather two cowboys, and combined them with the lifestyle of homosexuality. Cowboys are stereotyped as tough, macho, masculine, men, and homosexual males are stereotyped as the ultimate feminine male. Should Brokeback Mountain have taken a less extreme combination, such as two midpoints on the spectrum, and combined those into its characters, perhaps a little less controversy would have been provoked.
Brokeback Mountain (I like original titles)
Brokeback Mountain is controversial not just because it has two men in love with each other but also because they can almost in certain respects epitomize what it is to be a man. The fact that their relationship extends beyond the time during which they have just each other up on Brokeback Mountain and that it is therefore not just a release of pent up sexual energy that America seems to have accepted in its prisons greatly increases the movie’s controversy. Both Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar get married but this does not seem to at all diminish their desire for each other. Since these men are not your stereotypical gay men and can be identified with the group of men that tends to distance itself the most from anything that can be seen as gay, their love brings up questions about the sexuality of the viewer. These men smoke, drink, rough it in the wild, and even declare to each other after their first night sleeping together that they are not queer (I thought about throwing fishing onto that list but decided against it). This movie forces heterosexual men to ponder the following: if these two men, who were self declared heterosexuals, found love in each other without expecting it then perhaps I could also find my self loving another man. By doing this the movie causes controversy not just with those who oppose homosexuality at every turn but also with every man who has a vested interest in protecting his sexual orientation from being questioned by himself or others.
Cowboys
Homosexuality is not the only thing that makes this movie controversial. There are a lot of movies and shows that feature homosexual relationships that aren’t as controversial as Brokeback Mountain, like Will & Grace and Rent. What makes Brokeback Mountain different?
A lot of the controversy comes from the fact that the two main characters are cowboys. Cowboys are supposed to be tough, real manly men. They are the quintessential manly men that are rough, burly, and strong. People idolize cowboys and look up to them as heroes. People don’t expect cowboys to be gay; it throws their preconceived notions out of the window. It is so unexpected and unanticipated that people freak out and overreact about it. Cowboys are supposed to represent an American ideal, and when this movie challenges that ideal, it makes people mad.
Movies like Rent and TV shows like Will & Grace are more excepted because they are about metropolitan, big city urbanites, not down-on-the-farm, all-American men. As a rule, city people are more liberal and more accepting of alternative lifestyles. People assume that city people have wild, crazy lifestyles. They are expected to be bohemian and unconventional. Being a cowboy calls for being old-fashioned and traditional in your beliefs and values.
This movie is not just about homosexuality; it is testing an American ideal.
A lot of the controversy comes from the fact that the two main characters are cowboys. Cowboys are supposed to be tough, real manly men. They are the quintessential manly men that are rough, burly, and strong. People idolize cowboys and look up to them as heroes. People don’t expect cowboys to be gay; it throws their preconceived notions out of the window. It is so unexpected and unanticipated that people freak out and overreact about it. Cowboys are supposed to represent an American ideal, and when this movie challenges that ideal, it makes people mad.
Movies like Rent and TV shows like Will & Grace are more excepted because they are about metropolitan, big city urbanites, not down-on-the-farm, all-American men. As a rule, city people are more liberal and more accepting of alternative lifestyles. People assume that city people have wild, crazy lifestyles. They are expected to be bohemian and unconventional. Being a cowboy calls for being old-fashioned and traditional in your beliefs and values.
This movie is not just about homosexuality; it is testing an American ideal.
"Brokeback Mountain" vs. The American Dream
"Brokeback Mountain" is the sort of movie that will, undoubtedly - as a large number of movie critics, news reporters, and even random, uneducated people managed to predict - be responsible for the demise of our culture. It deals with a theme that is inherently evil, and attempts to make it into something that is, well, not inherently evil. The theme is, of course, "love.”
The movie blatantly pushes its agenda in favor of the idea of love. It features two characters that are obviously in love, and it manipulates the audience into sympathizing with their situation. It would have the audience think that love is an average and commonplace thing.
It glosses over, however, the true evils of love. It does not focus on, for example, the decreased productivity of the two men as a result of their love. It does not dwell on the fact that Ennis - instead of going to work, being a productive member of society, etc. - decides to spend his time skinny dipping with his better half in the middle of nowhere. Honestly, what’s next? A movie that glorifies unemployment? A movie that hails as a triumph the underallocation of human capital?
I believe that the reason “Brokeback Mountain” is so controversial is that encourages an idea that is in conflict with the traditional views of Americans. It supports the idea that love – and not one’s work and career – is of utmost importance. What’s more, it uses the ultimate symbol of hard work and determination – the cowboy – to illustrate its point.
The movie blatantly pushes its agenda in favor of the idea of love. It features two characters that are obviously in love, and it manipulates the audience into sympathizing with their situation. It would have the audience think that love is an average and commonplace thing.
It glosses over, however, the true evils of love. It does not focus on, for example, the decreased productivity of the two men as a result of their love. It does not dwell on the fact that Ennis - instead of going to work, being a productive member of society, etc. - decides to spend his time skinny dipping with his better half in the middle of nowhere. Honestly, what’s next? A movie that glorifies unemployment? A movie that hails as a triumph the underallocation of human capital?
I believe that the reason “Brokeback Mountain” is so controversial is that encourages an idea that is in conflict with the traditional views of Americans. It supports the idea that love – and not one’s work and career – is of utmost importance. What’s more, it uses the ultimate symbol of hard work and determination – the cowboy – to illustrate its point.
Masculinity
Where I grew up, masculinity was not about the trappings that the media assumes is important. The media may have its list of what makes a man a man, but there's a slightly different standard where I came from.
My brothers and I couldn't be more different. They love the outdoors, while the last time I voluntarily went outside without there being no other recourse was around 1999. They collect guns, bows, and knives; I spend my money on books. They wear camouflage and cowboy hats, and I wear corduroy pants and t-shirts. They go hunting, fishing, and hiking; I read. They play baseball and soccer, I - well - read. They can't wait to drive, and race gokarts and tractors; I had to be forced into the car every single time it was my turn to drive (Control a several ton hunk of rolling metal, amid other such hunks driven by potentially drunk or merely incompetent operators, with the penalty for any mistake by them or me being potential death or dismemberment? No thank you...). They watch NASCAR and football, I - you guessed it - read.
So, did those qualities make me less manly than my brothers, in the eyes of the surrounding populace? Not at all. The defining quality of masculinity, at least where I grew up, was competence. That's not to say that femininity is associated with the opposite - as a matter of fact, the assumption that masculinity and femininity are always opposites irks me - rather that that is what makes a man a man there. You would have a far easier time convincing men to wear a dress and run down Main Street than admit that their was something that they could not do. Asking for help is conducted with far more delicacy than any diplomatic negotiation.
It changes from place to place, though. For instance, I am home-schooled, and definitions of masculinity can vary greatly just between two schooling systems. In home-schooled circles, courtesy and chivalry are considered manly. Again, not to say that chivalry isn't valued by public-schoolers, but it's not considered a sign of masculinity.
What makes a man varies from culture to culture. Some cultures require a test of manhood, or rite of passage. The Amish have to leave their home and culture and move to the city. Mormons must travel on a missionary trip. Some Indian tribes required children to survive in the wilderness before they were considered men. There is no one set system to define what masculinity is, anywhere, and never will be. Perhaps that's for the best.
My brothers and I couldn't be more different. They love the outdoors, while the last time I voluntarily went outside without there being no other recourse was around 1999. They collect guns, bows, and knives; I spend my money on books. They wear camouflage and cowboy hats, and I wear corduroy pants and t-shirts. They go hunting, fishing, and hiking; I read. They play baseball and soccer, I - well - read. They can't wait to drive, and race gokarts and tractors; I had to be forced into the car every single time it was my turn to drive (Control a several ton hunk of rolling metal, amid other such hunks driven by potentially drunk or merely incompetent operators, with the penalty for any mistake by them or me being potential death or dismemberment? No thank you...). They watch NASCAR and football, I - you guessed it - read.
So, did those qualities make me less manly than my brothers, in the eyes of the surrounding populace? Not at all. The defining quality of masculinity, at least where I grew up, was competence. That's not to say that femininity is associated with the opposite - as a matter of fact, the assumption that masculinity and femininity are always opposites irks me - rather that that is what makes a man a man there. You would have a far easier time convincing men to wear a dress and run down Main Street than admit that their was something that they could not do. Asking for help is conducted with far more delicacy than any diplomatic negotiation.
It changes from place to place, though. For instance, I am home-schooled, and definitions of masculinity can vary greatly just between two schooling systems. In home-schooled circles, courtesy and chivalry are considered manly. Again, not to say that chivalry isn't valued by public-schoolers, but it's not considered a sign of masculinity.
What makes a man varies from culture to culture. Some cultures require a test of manhood, or rite of passage. The Amish have to leave their home and culture and move to the city. Mormons must travel on a missionary trip. Some Indian tribes required children to survive in the wilderness before they were considered men. There is no one set system to define what masculinity is, anywhere, and never will be. Perhaps that's for the best.
What A Spin On Homosexuality
Brokeback Mountain was the first movie to my knowledge to show male homosexuality so openly and graphically. This movie is controversial because of its depiction of homosexual men. The movie shows two fairly macho cowboys that outwardly appear just as masculine as the next man. Society typically depicts homosexual men as much more feminine than heterosexual men. Usually people outside of the homosexual community believe that homosexuals always dress and act more like the stereotypical woman. In the movie, both of the characters have wives and children and what many would dub manly occupations. They both take care of their families and show genuine love for their wives, but when together the chemistry is far beyond control. Brokeback Mountain highlights the intense strength that true love holds. If the characters were heterosexual I honestly do not think it would have mattered as far as the amount of affection shown. Those outside the homosexual community still believe that in a homosexual relationship there has to be a “man” and “woman”, meaning a feminine and masculine role. The movie shows a little bit of both on both; the engage in sexual activity with the fierceness of any man in love yet talk about and harbor feelings that are usually associated with women.
Before the movie had been released and it was only a buzz, people did not expect to see open sex between two men as vivid as they show it. The two actors are heterosexual men, which is one of the other huge shockers. I expected the director to cut away or fade the scene out when the sex scenes came, but to my dismay no such thing happened. This movie opened our eyes to some of the realism behind homosexuality and it came at a time where gay marriage is one of the foremost important topics in the nation.
Before the movie had been released and it was only a buzz, people did not expect to see open sex between two men as vivid as they show it. The two actors are heterosexual men, which is one of the other huge shockers. I expected the director to cut away or fade the scene out when the sex scenes came, but to my dismay no such thing happened. This movie opened our eyes to some of the realism behind homosexuality and it came at a time where gay marriage is one of the foremost important topics in the nation.
Controversy on the Mountain
Cowboys are supposed to epitomize "manliness". Cowboys are crude, dirty, strong, and burly. They wrangle cattle, shoot pistols, chew tobacco, smoke cigarettes, and drink whiskey. The last thing a cowboy would be labeled as is "homosexual". However, Brokeback Mountain portrays just this, the story of a heretical relationship between two gay cowboys. Obviously, Brokeback Mountain is controversial for its portrayal of a homosexual realationship. Our society continues to heatedly debate this topic.
However, Brokeback Mountain isn't controversial simply because of the homosexual issues. Another controversial issue is Jack Twist's and Ennis Del Mar's infidelity to their wives and families. Both Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar are married, meaning they made wedding vows promising to be faithful. Instead, Jack and Ennis continue to take adulterous trips out in Wyoming's wilderness. Additionally, Jack and Ennis are bad fathers. They fail to spend time with their children and instead focus on their own hedonistic pleasures. Lastly, Brokeback Mountain is controversial for the same reasons that most R-rated films are, because foul language, alcohol consumption, and nudity.
Ironically enough, people stir up controversy in Brokeback Mountain for the wrong reason. It isn't the homosexuality people should have a problem with, it's the infidelity Jack and Ennis have towards their wives. Our society is split on the issue of homosexuality, however the overwhelming majority of people in our society would agree that adultery is wrong. Instead of taking the media's portrayal of Brokeback Mountain, people should analyze and learn the movie themselves and then make their own decision.
However, Brokeback Mountain isn't controversial simply because of the homosexual issues. Another controversial issue is Jack Twist's and Ennis Del Mar's infidelity to their wives and families. Both Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar are married, meaning they made wedding vows promising to be faithful. Instead, Jack and Ennis continue to take adulterous trips out in Wyoming's wilderness. Additionally, Jack and Ennis are bad fathers. They fail to spend time with their children and instead focus on their own hedonistic pleasures. Lastly, Brokeback Mountain is controversial for the same reasons that most R-rated films are, because foul language, alcohol consumption, and nudity.
Ironically enough, people stir up controversy in Brokeback Mountain for the wrong reason. It isn't the homosexuality people should have a problem with, it's the infidelity Jack and Ennis have towards their wives. Our society is split on the issue of homosexuality, however the overwhelming majority of people in our society would agree that adultery is wrong. Instead of taking the media's portrayal of Brokeback Mountain, people should analyze and learn the movie themselves and then make their own decision.
Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain is a very controversial film because it was the first of its kind. Before this film gay men were generally depicted as a joke in mainstream cinema. Gay men were shown as over the top, flamboyant characters and their sexuality was always featured as their main or only character trait. Brokeback Mountain features two real men (some may say even "men's men) who happen to fall in love.
The two main characters in Brokeback Mountain truly act like people who are in love. The relationship between them is exactly what we would expect from an onscreen romance from a heterosexual relationship. Every kiss, every embrace, unlike other films Brokeback Mountain depicts a real relationship. The connection between the actors is so strong it is easy for the viewer to focus on the relationship rather then on their sexuality.
For all of these reasons there exists a cloud of controversy about Brokeback Mountain. Just as many narrow minded people are not ready to watch homosexual relationships turn into marriages, many think they also have no place on the big screen. It seems people enjoy watching the stereotypical characters (like Jack from Will and Grace) but 'normal" people and relationships make some uneasy. I think Brokeback Mountain is an incredibly important and inspiring breakthrough film.
The two main characters in Brokeback Mountain truly act like people who are in love. The relationship between them is exactly what we would expect from an onscreen romance from a heterosexual relationship. Every kiss, every embrace, unlike other films Brokeback Mountain depicts a real relationship. The connection between the actors is so strong it is easy for the viewer to focus on the relationship rather then on their sexuality.
For all of these reasons there exists a cloud of controversy about Brokeback Mountain. Just as many narrow minded people are not ready to watch homosexual relationships turn into marriages, many think they also have no place on the big screen. It seems people enjoy watching the stereotypical characters (like Jack from Will and Grace) but 'normal" people and relationships make some uneasy. I think Brokeback Mountain is an incredibly important and inspiring breakthrough film.
Brokeback Mountain
Although homosexuality is not as taboo as it has been in the past, there is still a lot of stigma towards people who choose this kind of lifestyle. As a society we are learning to accept peoples differences but there is still a lot of controversy surrounding this issue. The movie Brokeback Mountain caused an uproar when it came to theatres. Many people were offended, not only because of the topic of the movie, but because the love between the two men was so straightforward and graphic. There have been plenty of movies before Brokeback Mountain that had elements of gay love in them. However, this movie took this love to a level that nobody had seen on the big screen before. The movie not only shows the men's love through their emotions but their love is also expressed physically. This physical expression of their love is what caused some many people tobe insulted.
Also, the movie did not portray the men how gays are usually portrayed in the media. Gay men are usually portrayed as being very feminine and flamboyant. However, in the movie the men were depicted as the All American Male. They did not have feminine habits, they were not ostentatious and they even had families. This caused controversy because the men were shown as being what is considered the stereotypical male but they participated in homosexual behavior.
People seem to be content with this kind of lifestyle in the media when it is portrayed as being over the top. This is where most people get the stereotype that most gay males are flashy, extremely famine and prissy. So when a movie comes out where the two leading characters are homosexual and they do not act accorinding to what is stereotypically gay many people will get offended and there will be plenty of controversy.
Also, the movie did not portray the men how gays are usually portrayed in the media. Gay men are usually portrayed as being very feminine and flamboyant. However, in the movie the men were depicted as the All American Male. They did not have feminine habits, they were not ostentatious and they even had families. This caused controversy because the men were shown as being what is considered the stereotypical male but they participated in homosexual behavior.
People seem to be content with this kind of lifestyle in the media when it is portrayed as being over the top. This is where most people get the stereotype that most gay males are flashy, extremely famine and prissy. So when a movie comes out where the two leading characters are homosexual and they do not act accorinding to what is stereotypically gay many people will get offended and there will be plenty of controversy.
Brokeback Mountain
It is obvious why there is such a controversy surrounding the movie Brokeback Mountain. It seems everyone has an opinion about same sex relationships and releasing a movie that openly and honestly portrays two men forming a "more than friends" kind of relationship just continues to fuel those opinions. However the storyline in this movie is even more controversial because the two men are cowboys. The high school I attended consisted of a lot of these self-proclaimed "cowboys" and even the idea of same sex relationships was enough to bring about a tirade of hostile and bellicose arguments. Maybe it's okay for people in California or New York but for the all American cowboys out west? It just isn't considered acceptable. Through movies, books, and other entertainment sources cowboys have always been considered rough, crude, and brusque. Through these same sources homosexuals, especially gay men, have been portrayed as girlish, flamboyant, and ostentatious. The two do not mesh well together.
Through magazines, television shows, and movies individuals are bombarded with images portraying how they are "supposed" to be. Men, especially cowboys, are considered strong, muscular, and athletic. They're supposed to curse and be rude. They protect the home and support the family. Having sex with other men is not necessarily considered a vital aspect of cowboy life. For these reasons "Brokeback Mountain" was released amid a sea of controversies.
Through magazines, television shows, and movies individuals are bombarded with images portraying how they are "supposed" to be. Men, especially cowboys, are considered strong, muscular, and athletic. They're supposed to curse and be rude. They protect the home and support the family. Having sex with other men is not necessarily considered a vital aspect of cowboy life. For these reasons "Brokeback Mountain" was released amid a sea of controversies.
Brokeback Mountain
The blatantly obvious controversy of Brokeback Mountain is, of course, that it deals with homosexuality. Unfortunately, simply the mention of this topic can cause a stir in society. However, it is not merely the presence of a same-sex couple that makes the film so contentious; it is also due to issues like masculinity and fidelity.
Anyone who has seen a Chevy commercial understands that, in American culture, the cowboy image oozes masculinity. Conversely, society typically considers the idea of a gay man to be the antithesis of manliness. Therefore, Brokeback Mountain’s melding of the two typically incompatible ideas is immediately controversial. Societal norms dictate that a handsome, rugged cowboy should fall for a young woman, not another handsome, rugged cowboy. The film, however, shows the men as incredibly masculine and fairly well-integrated in their surroundings, yet together they go against society’s dictations. For many viewers, this is unacceptable, and therefore they find it controversial.
This upheaval of the concepts of masculinity is not the only controversy, however. Both the men involved in the relationship are also husbands and fathers. So, not only are they going against society as far as masculinity is concerned, they also pay no attention to the expectations of being faithful to one’s spouse. The ideal, perfect husband would never dream of lying to his wife, especially in the case of being in love with another man. But both men lie to their wives about going on a “fishing trip,” when in reality they are going to be together. The movie does not portray their infidelity as terribly immoral, either. Rather, viewers feel sorry for the men who are forced to go behind their wives’ backs.
Anyone who has seen a Chevy commercial understands that, in American culture, the cowboy image oozes masculinity. Conversely, society typically considers the idea of a gay man to be the antithesis of manliness. Therefore, Brokeback Mountain’s melding of the two typically incompatible ideas is immediately controversial. Societal norms dictate that a handsome, rugged cowboy should fall for a young woman, not another handsome, rugged cowboy. The film, however, shows the men as incredibly masculine and fairly well-integrated in their surroundings, yet together they go against society’s dictations. For many viewers, this is unacceptable, and therefore they find it controversial.
This upheaval of the concepts of masculinity is not the only controversy, however. Both the men involved in the relationship are also husbands and fathers. So, not only are they going against society as far as masculinity is concerned, they also pay no attention to the expectations of being faithful to one’s spouse. The ideal, perfect husband would never dream of lying to his wife, especially in the case of being in love with another man. But both men lie to their wives about going on a “fishing trip,” when in reality they are going to be together. The movie does not portray their infidelity as terribly immoral, either. Rather, viewers feel sorry for the men who are forced to go behind their wives’ backs.
Controversy Surrounding Brokeback Mountain
Today's journal topic coincides greatly with tomorrow's topic of society's concept of masculinity. People feel uncomfortable watching this film because it breaks several boundaries that society says we must have. One of these boundaries which is especially strong in the mid-west is the stigma that one must be uncomfortable around anything to do with homosexuality. The fear is if you aren't, you may be suggested to be homosexual(which is obviously a tragedy in itself I guess?). The idea that homosexuality is opposite that of masculinity is also challenged. Two gay males, who are not supposed to be masculine, are in one of the most identifiably masculine professions our society can think of.
I wish I could understand some of these preconceived notions, but they all stem from the idea that through human nature we associate fear with that which is not understood. So, since some people can't understand other's perspectives, they are afraid of them. Crossing these boundaries can create tension, yet recently it is happening more and more. A given example would be another film we've watched; V for Vendetta. in V, the most dramatic kiss in the film was between two women, which speaks about how as time passes, we are becoming more and more open-minded, which in my opinion, is a step in the right direction.
I wish I could understand some of these preconceived notions, but they all stem from the idea that through human nature we associate fear with that which is not understood. So, since some people can't understand other's perspectives, they are afraid of them. Crossing these boundaries can create tension, yet recently it is happening more and more. A given example would be another film we've watched; V for Vendetta. in V, the most dramatic kiss in the film was between two women, which speaks about how as time passes, we are becoming more and more open-minded, which in my opinion, is a step in the right direction.
Gay, Straight, and Taken?
In today’s society, where it is acceptable for people to shoot, stab, torture, or kill somebody, why is it still a huge controversy to see two men together out in the mountains? Actually, homosexuals have appeared on film in the past in hundreds of films, but no filmmaker has gone to this extreme before. Therefore, this movie turned a lot of heads and caused controversy everywhere.
In my opinion, the reason why this movie was so much different than any other homosexual appearance on film is because the two men are so masculine. In every other example of gay men in movies, they are all portrayed as very feminine, with high-pitched voices and tight pink shirts, usually talking about makeup and the latest hairstyle. It has always been obvious during the first moment they walk in front of the camera that they are homosexual. In Brokeback Mountain, however, Enos and Jack are extremely different. Heath Ledger in this movie is simply the epitome of masculinity, and Jake Gyllenhaal is not far behind. Everything they do, besides the obvious sex/kissing scenes, is masculine, from herding sheep to wrestling to selling combines. Actually, I think you could take out the few sex/kissing scenes from this movie and not very many people would suspect these two men to be gay. On the outside looking in, they appear very normal-they both have wives and kids, they have masculine jobs, and they enjoy going “fishing” every once in a while.
The reality of the movie is, however, that they are not “normal.” These two men are trapped in a society where homosexuality is unacceptable. This makes the plot even more complex and interesting in that they can’t be together just whenever they want to, and everything they do together must be in secret. I think this also adds to the controversy because it causes the audience to feel for the two men instead of just judging them for their sexuality. It forces the viewers to think about what it would be like to be homosexual in a world where it is unacceptable, as opposed to seeing a gay man as a sort of comic relief in a subplot of a movie, such as Sweet Home Alabama or Along Came Polly.
Overall, this movie caused controversy when it came out because it is totally different than what society considers “normal.” However, the purpose of the film was to show the audience a different view of homosexuality, and in that aspect, it was very successful.
In my opinion, the reason why this movie was so much different than any other homosexual appearance on film is because the two men are so masculine. In every other example of gay men in movies, they are all portrayed as very feminine, with high-pitched voices and tight pink shirts, usually talking about makeup and the latest hairstyle. It has always been obvious during the first moment they walk in front of the camera that they are homosexual. In Brokeback Mountain, however, Enos and Jack are extremely different. Heath Ledger in this movie is simply the epitome of masculinity, and Jake Gyllenhaal is not far behind. Everything they do, besides the obvious sex/kissing scenes, is masculine, from herding sheep to wrestling to selling combines. Actually, I think you could take out the few sex/kissing scenes from this movie and not very many people would suspect these two men to be gay. On the outside looking in, they appear very normal-they both have wives and kids, they have masculine jobs, and they enjoy going “fishing” every once in a while.
The reality of the movie is, however, that they are not “normal.” These two men are trapped in a society where homosexuality is unacceptable. This makes the plot even more complex and interesting in that they can’t be together just whenever they want to, and everything they do together must be in secret. I think this also adds to the controversy because it causes the audience to feel for the two men instead of just judging them for their sexuality. It forces the viewers to think about what it would be like to be homosexual in a world where it is unacceptable, as opposed to seeing a gay man as a sort of comic relief in a subplot of a movie, such as Sweet Home Alabama or Along Came Polly.
Overall, this movie caused controversy when it came out because it is totally different than what society considers “normal.” However, the purpose of the film was to show the audience a different view of homosexuality, and in that aspect, it was very successful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)