Part one

For this discussion, review the educational video Tough Guise: Violence, Media, & the Crisis in Masculinity (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. , the slideshow Hegemonic Masculinity in Television Advertisements (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., and this short article (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. about a new category of urban masculinity: lumbersexuals. If you need extra help for this discussion, be sure to check out the many resources listed under “Recommended Resources” above.

Next, answer the following questions:

• What is hegemonic masculinity? Describe an example of hegemonic masculinity that you have seen in the last week, either in your personal interactions or in the media. How do these media messages impact your own sense of your gender presentation? Do you feel that tend to follow the gender norms of our culture? How or how not?
• How does the traditional version of hegemonic masculinity harm boys and men? Women and girls?

In recent years, new categories to describe (mainly young, urban, white) males have grown increasingly popular — such as metrosexual, hipster, emos, lumbersexuals, etc. Using at least two examples from the readings for this week, explain how these modern representations of masculinity differ from (challenge) traditional notions of hegemonic masculinity?

Your initial post should be at least 300 words in length.

Part two

Heteronormativity refers to the belief in our society that people can be categorized into distinct and complementary genders (masculine or feminine), each with “natural” roles associated with them. Heteronormative ideology asserts that heterosexuality is the only sexual orientation (it is the norm), and relations are only appropriate between people of opposite sexes. For this discussion, read the article by David Orzechowicz that investigates heteronormativity in a very particular type of workplace: the parade department at a theme park.

After reading this article, address the following:

• Orzechowicz writes, “Given the importance of heterosexuality to the onstage aesthetic, we might expect Wonderland Parades to reproduce a backstage culture that silences or tokenizes sexual minorities… Instead, the theme park’s tales of heteronormative love and hegemonic masculinity are left in the hands of many men whose everyday backstage performances challenge these same stories” (Pgs. 228-229).
  • In your own words, explain what Orzechowicz is saying in this statement.
  • Other than the fact that gay male performers are numerically dominant, use examples from the text to describe at least two ways that the Parade culture challenges heteronormativity.
  • According to Orzechowicz, how do heterosexual men in this workplace also challenge heteronormativity in Parade culture?

oWhat does “onstage” and “backstage” refer to?

Orzechowicz argues that the Parade culture both challenges heteronormativity (the subordination of homosexuality by heterosexuality) and also reproduces elements of the gay/straight power dynamic.

oUsing examples from the text, describe at least two ways that the Parade culturereinforces and reproduces heteronormativity.

As you respond to the components of this discussion, be sure to consider both the actual parade performances and the informal “backstage” interactions when providing examples of how Parade culture both challenges and supports heteronormativity.

Your initial post should be at least 300 words in length.

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