Supplemental Post

I am responding to Michael Gores' question: Does Arnold Schwarzenegger represent a modern masculine ideal? If so, what kind of ideal?

I do not think it would be incorrect to say Arnold Schwarzenegger represents a modern masculine ideal. As we learned in this class, there can simultaneously be many ideals of masculinity during a particular period of time. But while not everyone looks to size and strength as the necessary requirements to be considered “masculine,” muscle definitely plays a part in the views of many.

Perhaps the steroid look may no longer be as revered as it once was, society does see size and athleticism as a significant aspect of masculinity. Without a doubt, popular athletes of generation (from football to basketball and even tennis) are getting bigger and bigger, both in terms of body size and strength as well as in terms of popularity. And if a woman is unusually muscular, she is called “manly.” Clearly, society sees muscle as an important aspect of masculinity.

When analyzing the masculinity of stars, it is important to consider all aspects of a star’s persona. In Schwarzenegger’s case, the brawn and physique is what made him a star, but it is not all he is known for, particularly now. He is no longer at his physical peak, yet I would definitely still consider him an ideal figure of masculinity.

The ideal that I think Schwarzenegger fulfills is one that has built upon his action star, playboy ideal of a few decades ago. Now I think the ideal he fulfills is one that consists of more aspects of his life, including qualities I think society has found to be important in categorizing masculinity. Just like I think I am not alone in considering President Obama and other politicians a new kind of masculinity, I think Schwarzenegger remains an ideal figure of masculinity because he is a husband, a father, and a politician, among many other things. I think especially today, masculinity consists of a variety of things, and that Schwarzenegger, despite being past his hey-day of 80s action films, continues to be recognized as a masculine figure.