Representations of men

Representations of men

Traditionally, men in the media were represented as being very manly, macho characters particularly in the 1970s and 80s. Although the stereotypical view of men in modern times has developed and changed, today this stereotype is still commonly used. 

For instance, in the TV show Supernatural the character Dean Winchester, played by Jensen Ackles conveys this traditional view of a working class man. Although the things that happen to the man are extremely abnormal we can still see how this character portrays the traditional view of a man. Taking the constructionist view, his body language connotes that of masculinity as his shoulders are pushed back and head is held high connoting confidence as well as the eye focus on the camera which suggests the idea that men are brave. His posture also conveys that perhaps he is ready for action and to maybe fight. 

The encoders in this text, in this case the photographers of the image, have used a medium long shot of the character allowing the audience to see his entire outfit and masculine stance. His loose denim jeans and leather jacket suggest that of a working class man the open jacket also suggests manliness and that he is not the clean cut type of male which is often seen in today's society. The encoders have also chose to take this picture of the character as he is standing in front of a car and although you can't see in the image, it is an old fashioned Chevalier impala connoting connoting how men are seen as car lovers and cars also show connotations of masculinity specifically romantically as men are meant to be seen as the chivalry.

I think the audience will take the preferred reading of this image, taking the character as the rough and ready to go alpha male. Although he doesn't necessarily come across as dangerous the audience still has the sense that he could do some damage.

This also feeds in to the dominant ideology of our society that men are seen as violent and dangerous and the media reinforce this ideology and shows how maybe the media is responsible for the steady stream of images that define 'manhood' connected to violence, dominance and control and creates it so that the audience accepts this idea of masculinity. For example and archetype of 'the action hero' is strong and often angry and above all is aggressive and engages in violent behaviour. Bruce Willis in the Die Hard films conveys this archetype as in the image he is holding a gun suggesting that he ready to fight and also how he is dangerous and does not mind killing somebody if he needs to. the archetype of the action hero also shows how man are more willing to fight even if it is for great of good, nevertheless shows how men will turn to violence rather than an alternative method. However this portrayal of men is accepted in todays society as me are seen as the protectors and the reason for this overly positive and dominant representations of men in the media is down to power. there is also an ideology that society is still very patriarchal and men have been in control of the media so have crated positive representations that support their dominance and violence which makes people think it is okay. 

in today's society however, the stereotypical view of men has been challenged and although traditional ideologies are still in place there are new concepts and representations of masculinity.