Masculine and Feminine Ideals

Both masculine and feminine ideals have varied over time in the United States. When once women were expected to become the ultimate home-maker and the men were visioned to work hard in order to provide for the family, times have since changed. These days, women too are envisoned to become part of the workforce and be just as independent as men. However, it goes beyond professions. The major masculine and feminine ideals of men and women have come to focus on looks. Unfortunately, in some areas of the United States, looks have become so scrutinized it has become an obsession with some societies. The main source of this knowledge of idealism has come from the media, and it has proved to be a major influence on both genders. The masculine and feminine ideals resulting from this are that of high-standards of attractiveness that may lead to materialistic lifestyles from both sexes.
For men, the vision of being strong and successful are prominent ideals. However, many of the successful men in our society that are recognized are the famous actors with seemingly perfect bodies and large bank accounts. On television, this is very apparent on the Red Carpet Events. All the men are polished up to look even more handsome and wealthy with designer clothes. These men are greatly looked up to in societies for they are the ones who seem to have "made it big." For young boys wanting to become famous or successful it seems the lifestyle of the typical moviestar is the most rewarding. Because of this, having good looks as well as being prosperous are some of the masculine ideals males strive for. (will add more to paragraph about the "male ideal" essay)
Similarly for women, the idealism of having the perfect body to compliment a pretty face is equally seeked. In some aspects, however, the media has begun to promote a more unrealistic "ideal" body image for women in regards to men. For example, female models advertised through magazines and the runway have hyped extremely thin women as the way to look to be both fashionable and attractive. Rather than being looked down upon for appearing to lead an unhealthy lifestyle, these women are admired and glamourized. This then influences young women to aspire to become this. Why would any young girl want to be so skinny to put their health at risk? It is because these girls being surrounded by successful and beautiful women are taking part in this lifestyle, so they end up believing they should as well. Susan Bordo, professor of English and Women's studies at University of Kentucky knows this all to well. In her article "Never Just Pictures" she states, "the idealization of certain kinds of bodies foments and perpetuates our anxieties and insecurities..." It is one thing to have an ideal to look up to that is healthy and safe. Unfortunately, the body image that most girls strain for is the exact opposite.(will talk about how this has lead to eating disorders and other health problems)
Ultimately, the masculine and feminine ideals have become a focus on one's looks. Whether someone wants to be a model, moviestar, or neither, it is assumed we all want to be successful. However, more often than not the successful individuals that surruound us in the magazines, the movies, on the telvesion and ads are attractive. Because of this, there is no wonder why so many young men and women see the idealized masculine and feminine traits as being handsome or pretty.(add)