Global Historical & Contemporary Context

G L O B A L H I S T O R I C A L & C O N T E M P O R A R Y C O N T E X T

Masculinity. A term, normally, used to describe “the quality or nature of the male sex” . Throughout history, the term “masculinity” was reserved for the strong male presences of our society, such as our: fathers, politicians, factory workers, military service men, athletes, construction workers, business men, entrepreneurs, millionaires and billionaires, and so on. “Masculinity” is a right of passage that’s given to all men for them to define for themselves, but can also be easily stripped away by their “peers” if they act lesser in any way. BUTBUTBUT WHY?WHY?WHY?

Culturally, and societally, we place certain structures and limitations on ourselves and others from a very young age. We are taught about what it does and doesn’t mean to be a man or woman; masculine or feminine.

Feminine is regularly thought of as

“delicate” , “natural” , and “beautiful” . Whereas masculine is regularly thought of as

“tough” , “strong” , and “brave” . In recent years, the terms “masculinity” and “femininity” have been deconstructed by many in the belief that there is no one way to properly define either or.

There have been various trends that have tried to define masculinity. However, two main trends involved the metrosexual and the ubersexual. Throughout the 90's and into the early 2000's, the "metrosexual" was a trend that defined a man who is obsessed with personalimage, fashion, and lifestyle. From the early-mid 2000's to present day, the term "ubersexual" now defines a man who is primarily focused on personal growth, world issues and politics, as well as his relationships. The ubersexual has progressed from "grooming ones hair" to "grooming one's mind" . This new sense of masculinity argues that men are still able to enjoy more "manly" activities and ideas, but are also able to be creative, openminded, and still respect others for their beliefs and choices without ridicule.

Masculinity is constantly changing and evolving to become more of a contemporary idea to all. Men today are able to label themselves "masculine" in whichever way they please. No matter how they use the term to define, or not define, themselves, it is to be known that it is a unique label for everyone and we will live to see a time where an overall definition of the term will be obsolete.