Gender Analysis Whom it May Concern Gender

Gender Analysis

Whom it May Concern

Gender Analysis of Wolverine Image

"Gender Binary"

Media presentations of gender nearly always cater to stereotypical depictions of either male or female. They seldom showcase individuals who do no prescribe to the gender binary, but rather exploit preconceived notions of what it means to be either wholly male or wholly female. Advertisements which are targeted to female audiences will usually portray symbols with traditionally female appeal, such as flowers or pastel colors in pink or light yellow. They endorse the highly feminine aspect of womanhood and encourage the consumer to buy into that definition of woman. Femininity is equaled to being a woman and unfeminine women are therefore considered other. According to this same set of rules, males must prescribe to the stereotypes of masculinity, such as lack of emotion, oneness with nature and manual labor, and authoritativeness above all things (Beckwith 130). It is this hyper-masculinity that is showcased in the image from Wolverine.

VISUAL IMAGERY

In the image shown, a hard-worn man stands in the middle of nature. Everything about this picture is intended to create the impression of masculinity and rugged maleness. Starting with just the man himself, the viewer of the picture is intended to understand him to be a hyper-masculine figure (Lorber 11). He is in a plaid shirt, hiking boots, and logical, unadorned pants. His hair is cut short and he wears no facial hair. This is designed to show that he does not waste time worrying about his physical appearance. The accessories he carries, namely his stick and backpack, are designed to help with his outdoor trek. This type of man carries nothing that will not contribute to his survival on a dangerous hike through the mountains. The expression on his face is one of unconcern. Others might be wary of the forest and the wild animals or tough terrain, but this man is so masculine that he is not even slightly concerned about what might befall him.

WORD CHOICE AND SUBLIMINAL MEANING

The words used on the advertisement are also intended to target an audience of young males. The man in the picture is quoted as saying, "I blaze my own trails. I am Wolverine." According to the biographical information in the box beneath these words, Carlos Gabriel is a wildlife tracker. His occupation involves tracking wild, dangerous animals in the wilderness. He is not afraid that anything untoward might happen during the course of one of his tasks. It is implied that his masculinity will allow him to overcome the dangers of his job. No mountain lion or wolf could possibly harm someone who so highly embodies the ideas of masculinity and maleness.