In analyzing Susan Bordo’s “The Male Body,” we can explore the tension between societal

stereotypes and the reality of the male body as it is influenced by cultural expectations. Bordo’s

work delves into the complexities of how men’s bodies are perceived and represented,

particularly in the context of consumerism and media portrayal. As well as cultural and racial

narratives that shape the perception of the male body.

Stereotypes vs. Reality: The discussion of Barbie and Ken's anatomical features in "In Hiding

and on Display" exemplifies the societal discomfort with acknowledging the male body's

sexuality. While Barbie's exaggerated feminine features were readily accepted, attempts to give

Ken a visible genital bulge were met with resistance. This anecdote highlights the cultural taboo

surrounding male sexuality and the pressure for men to present themselves as objective beings,

detached from bodily desires.

Consumerism and the Male Body: The chapter “In hiding and on display” reflects on the shift

in the 1970s where men’s bodies became a target for consumerism. Bordo delves into the

evolution of societal attitudes towards male bodies, tracing a shift from the politically charged

atmosphere of the 1960s to the consumer-driven ethos of the late 20th century. As men became

increasingly targeted by marketing campaigns promoting fashion, grooming products, and

cosmetic procedures, their bodies became commodified objects of desire. This commodification

reflects broader societal shifts towards consumerism and the objectification of bodies, regardless

of gender. Fashion, hairstyles, and jewellery were no longer just for women; men were also

encouraged to spend on their appearance, signalling a change in how male bodies were

consumed visually and economically.

Expectations of Objectivity: Bordo references Simone de Beauvoir’s “The Second Sex” to

discuss the societal expectations placed on men to be objective and unswayed by their bodies, in
contrast to women who are often defined by their physicality. This dichotomy reinforces gender

roles and the perception of men as rational beings, disconnected from the ‘prison’ of the body

that women supposedly inhabit.

Expectations of Performance and “Hard Body”: Bordo also critiques the cultural emphasis on

male sexual performance and physical prowess, as evidenced by the widespread popularity of

drugs like Viagra. She argues that societal expectations pressure men to conform to rigid

standards of masculinity, equating potency with worthiness. This pressure to perform extends

beyond the realm of sexuality to encompass physical appearance, as seen in the scrutiny of Bill

Clinton's body during his presidency.

Moreover, Bordo challenges the dichotomy between "hard" masculinity and "soft" vulnerability,

noting how expressions of emotion or physical weakness are often stigmatized in men. This

binary perpetuates unrealistic ideals of masculinity, wherein men are expected to embody

strength and stoicism at all times. Any deviation from this ideal is met with disdain or ridicule, as

seen in the media's portrayal of Clinton's physique.

Historical Perspectives on Male Genitalia: Bordo references Ancient Greek culture, which

valued “small and taut” male genitalia, associating large sex organs with coarseness and

barbarism. This preference reflects a broader cultural emphasis on male self-control and the

relegation of sexual excess to the realm of caricature.

Racial Stereotypes and the Male Body: The text discusses how white European culture has

projected hypersexualized stereotypes onto black men, portraying them as the “overendowed

black superstud.” These stereotypes were notably brought to the public’s attention during the

Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill hearings, where the pornographic figure Long Dong Silver became
a symbol of racialized sexuality. Bordo cites Frantz Fanon’s observations on the racial fantasies

of his patients, where the black man’s identity is reduced to his genitalia. This reduction is

further exemplified by figures like Norman Mailer and Jack Johnson, who either envied or

capitalized on the perceived “primitive” sexual status attributed to black men.

Heterosexual pornography: She highlights how pornography constructs a one-dimensional

fantasy of female desire, devoid of agency or subjectivity, serving to reaffirm traditional gender

roles and reinforce male dominance. Bordo's analysis underscores the ways in which media

representations of sexuality perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce power differentials

between men and women.