Tall, Dark, and Handsome

Masculinity is a concept that varies from time to time. However, the true essence of what defines a make still remains. A "true man" is one who provides for his family, has the physical stature that society deems appropriate, and remains dominate over females. These traits may vary over time but the values are still in our modern day society. People are reluctant to accept multiple masculinity's. They are fixed on one view of masculine. For example, the view in popular culture is of the tall, handsome, and well built man. This view has not changed over time, in fact it has only been encouraged by the media. This view is further encouraged in George Orwell's 1984 by the dominate view of Big Brother. Big Brother is seen as an authoritative figure that is there to protect the society. In modern society this is also true. Soldiers are predominately male and their job is to protect society. This comforting and protective figure is a trait that society wants their men to portray, and they do so. Furthermore, the strong and handsome man is also portrayed in 1984. Winston is constantly complaining about his weak body. These traits are seen as not what a man is supposed to be like, in fact they are the exact opposite. It is no coincidence that Big Brother, who is seen as a man is the leader, and not Winston. This view of masculinty is shown thrugh every aspect of media that there is. For example, in the beginning of the course we read Gilgamesh, an epic that clearly portrays the typical male values. Gilgamesh is a strong, and handsome man who goes around asserting his dominace. This is exactly what society wants their men to be like. Perhaps not in that exact way, but with the same essentail features. Dispite all the movements for multipul masculinites the typical view is still dominating. These features will always be applied to men no matter how society changes.