This magazine cover fits the topic of our discussion on gender and sex on Tuesday because of the proof it gives that we attach very specific gender roles to both sexes. Despite the large bold text on the page, it is likely that without the text, most people who were to look at the picture would have a suspicion that this man was gay. First, he has features that are defined as more feminine than masculine. His soft features and styled hair give the impression that he puts a lot of emphasis on his looks. Not to say that it is a strictly feminine practice to be conscious of appearance, but the appearance he has is quite feminine. Aside from the physical appearance of this man, the way he is holding the baby is like that of the way a mother holds her child. It is assumed and assigned that men are less comfortable and nurturing to infants. For a man to be comfortable and knowledgeable with caring for a baby is out of the ordinary and viewed as questionable.
The underlying ideas that come to mind when looking at this picture affirms that our society has placed such strong roles on male and female that if the lines are crossed in any case it is automatically assumed that something is queer about the person. In this case it is true, but there are many cases where it is not, and people are wrongly labeled.
No Comments Yet
No comments yet.
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
Leave a comment
