Week #13

Matt Snider

The article for this week by Trujillo focused on the portrayal of masculinity within sports. In particular, the author talked about how Nolan Ryan was glorified throughout the media and the five features of hegemonic masculinity. He talks about how Ryan was viewed as a powerhouse pitcher to define physical force and control, his records to define occupational achievement, Nolan Ryan as the patriarch of his family to define patriarchy, portraying Ryan in the off-season as a cowboy to embody frontiersman, and finally, his portrayal of being a good looking male throughout the media to define his heterosexuality.
I think that there are some legitimate items discussed in the article that still hold true today. In a sport like baseball for instance, the first feature is displayed prominently within the world of pitchers. More often than not a pitcher is immediately put on a pedestal if they possess the ability to throw hard. Guys like Chapman are revered for being good pitchers especially once they are unproven. It’s a similar situation whenever Justin Verlander throws 100 mph in the sixth inning. It is no doubt a great accomplishment but I’m not sure it warrants a five minute segment on Sportscenter.
Another similarity is the way athletes are portrayed constantly working out, and in relation, constantly building their strength. Nike and Under Armor have built their entire marketing campaign around showing athletes working out wearing their apparel. It is seen as the clothing choice if you are someone with strength or a tough male. In a similar sense if they ever show female athletes in these commercials they are often seen doing more of a cardiovascular workout like running as opposed to lifting weights or anything that would be strength gaining.
Finally, another common feature of hegemonic masculinity that is featured in the media and particularly advertisements has been the idea of the patriarch figure. It is seen often in big events like the Super bowl a few years ago when the Saints won. The image plastered everywhere from the event became Drew Brees holding his young son at midfield while the confetti pours down. Not only does this image paint Brees as the patriarch of his family but it also it shows his occupational achievement in winning the highest trophy a team can earn in a season. In addition to the Brees media picture a recent ad featuring Lebron James not just training at the court but also training with his sons. This is both portraying the patriarch figure as well as the power and strength James possesses.