[Again my apologies I do not know why the font goes all wonky and the bibliography and citations change size etc.]
Overwhelmed by the Male
The definition of masculinity includes excerpts of the following qualities: manliness, vigour, boldness and strength.[1] Throughout different literature and legends the “men” of males are portrayed as holding: respect, wisdom, courage, presence, bravery, power[2]. A classic example of this falls into the legend of Hercules, remade as a Disney classic. Here Hercules, son of Zeus, battles monsters and gives his life for the woman he loves. In the media masculinity is linked to power, dominance and control. Here men are accepted as socially powerful [usually members of the sphere of work] and physically violent.[3] The recent movie release of Captain America showcases these aspects quite efficiently as the lead figure fights against villains, works for the US army, wins the woman and becomes a member of The Avengers [a group of superheroes]. With different portrayals of what is a “man” drifting throughout history society is left with the common feature of: a heterosexual, strong, commanding, fearless, respected bulk of male to represent a man.
Orwell uses masculinity thoroughly in his novel 1984. The Party itself is the main source of “male value”. The slogans of the party include “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU”, a uniform of blue overalls, the products of Victory [ex. VICTORY GIN], the constant warfare and
the opposition of The Brotherhood.[4] The Party consists of the “masculine” traits of dominance, power, control, violence and presence. The slogan of the party --“BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU”-- is a source of psychological manipulation to gain physical control, presence and dominance over the subjects of Oceania[5]. Through the use of posters, telescreens and members the party dominates and controls the party members that cannot escape the gaze of big brother. The Party is able to extended its power over every aspect of the individual’s life: basic desires of sex is not longer for joy but for reproduction [control of the primal instincts], the idea of individuality is demolished as each member of the party (unless a higher rank) is dressed in a uniform of blue overalls [individual becomes the “mass”] and basic loyalties and emotional ties of family are undermined as the Junior Spies create brainwashed children that sever only the party, even if this means turning against their family[leaves ties only to the party].This constant barrage of psychological attacks force the submission of the individual or the submission of the smaller man to the greater. Alongside this basic concept of the “bigger man” or “survival of the fittest”, Orwell uses the idea of a primary male occupation of warfare. In 1984, there are three super-states [Eurasia, Oceania and Eastasia] that are constantly at war with one another. This promotes the drawing together of “Hate Week”, the products of “VICTORY”, for example “VICTORY GIN “ and, this being the most important point, it allowed the elite of The Party to remain in power and control their members. The Party used the threat of warfare, and its partner of danger , to allow the handing-over of power to the elite seem an unavoidable condition of survival.[6] This form of power grab resulting in WW2 when the German nation was suffering over inflation at the hands of the Treaty of Versailles and turned to the leadership of Hitler to bring them out of the darkness.
[1] Avis,Drysdale,Gregg and Scargill,eds., Dictionary of Canadian English (Gage Educational Publishing
Limited Toronto,1973),695.
[2] Jeff, Navarro. The Art of Manhood:“Qualities of Masculinity and Femininity”
[3]Media Awareness Network. “ Media Stereotypes: How the Media Defines Masculinity”http://www.mediaawareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/men_and_masculinity/masculinity _defining.cfm
[4]George, Orwell, 1984 (Toronto: Penguin Books,1954), 1,2,3,15.
[5] Ibid., 4.
[6]Ibid.,7,193,199,200
Bibliography
(1) Avis,Drysdale,Gregg and Scargill,eds., Dictionary of Canadian English: The Gage Canadian
Dictionary. Gage Educational Publishing Limited Toronto ,1973.
(2) Navarro, Jeff. The Art of Manhood:“Qualities of Masculinity and Femininity”
(3) Media Awareness Network. “Media Stereotypes: How the Media Defines Masculinity”
and_masculinity/masculinity _defining.cfm
(4) Orwell, George, 1984 .Toronto: Penguin Books, 1954.
