Sexy, hot, gorgeous...
Sex sells, there's no doubting it. But does it really satisfy? Or is it fast food on our way to somewhere else?
At the gym today, despite self imposed exile under my headphones, I overheard some of the god-like men conversing. It was an unfortunate event. One tends to associate great things with those whose looks are cover material, but today; as is all too often, the converse was true. The depth of their godliness ended with their musculo-skeletal systems. I'll never see them the same again, the mighty have fallen in these eyes. But am I unreasonable in wanting more of my model men?
We do have a culture that enshrines six packed, bronzed masculinity. And I have posted more than enough photos of same here to show I'm certainly embedded in this culture. But I need more than that. A leading man without a leading brain falls off the mark, a leading man with brain and brawn is most excellent, but higher still is someone who has managed to use all of these things to make a better world of ours. Scientifically, in humanitarian quests, formidable business success with social responsibility... I think it's time we started looking to success in more ways than solely physical and financial.
Can anyone think of people who have managed success in all these areas? People who are still likable and down to earth? Who take care of themselves, and the world around them? I want names!!
I see great opportunities to make a difference in this world. We have everything at our fingertips quite literally. Is there anything you can't make happen from where you're sitting right now? But what do we actually choose to make happen? And what opportunities do we let slip by? Do we want to purely entertain ourselves, or do we want to make a better world?
8 comments:
This is very similar to the virgin/whore complex.
Are there people who combine the tenants of pretty pretty and pretty smart? Probably.
But, it's easier to go after braun first (let's face it, we can't read minds with our eyes), and hoping they emcompass brains, too.
Well, we tried to change the government in our financially badly run and corrupt small town by starting a new party and running our own candidates, but we lost. We put together a good group and ready for the next run in 2 years.
I want to make a better world and be entertained. Do I have to choose one or the other?
I have had similar experiences, but every now and then one meets one that has all three. There is a South African Model, Warren McAslan who is one of those - beautiful but down to earth. They are unfortunately few and far between.
On making a better world, I find those people even fewer and further between. Encouragingly, I am seeing it more and more amongst friends and people I meet of about 22/23/24 years in age. There seems to be a greater sense of responsibility amongst that generation than within my peers.
Brain? Check.
Suitable career? Check.
Hot body? Potentially - but still working on it...
Brain? Check.
Suitable career? Check.
Hot body? Potentially - but still working on it...
Why not just add to the ever expected high ideals which gay men are supposed to achieve. It's not enough that we live in a culture of endemic body fascism where people who don't look like super models are passed over, but now we all have to be brain scientists or rocket surgeons and then go and change the world like Ghandi or Mandela. You're a doctor. Don't you see enough screwed up people who feel they can't achieve these nearly impossible ideals? If some one achieves greatness what the hell does it mater what they look like? Would Ghandi have been more impressive if he was good looking? Would he have achieved more? No. Would it have mattered more if he'd looked like Chad White? Of course not. That people push themselves and strive to improve their lot and that of others, in what ever way should be applauded whether it's the greatness of changing the socio-economic conditions of a whole race or nation, or something as being the greatest parent, friend or doctor they can should be applauded. How do you know that the 'gods' you saw in the gym aren't care workers, astro-physicists or aid workers taking some time out and enjoying some superficial banter? And if they really aren't so bright then more fool you for placing such a high esteem on and encouraging vanity.
Anonymous: the idea of the post was more pro-humanitarian / general social advancement with less a focus on the body culture, although I concede it can be read as though one needs to have it all (or at least aspire to it all).
I do think we need to take care of ourselves physically. I do think we need to advance ourselves mentally. And I do think we should be doing this all with a firm eye on the big picture of life the universe and everything. But part of how we look is just luck - so we can't always do much about that. Most of us won't get to be the superhuman I describe, but it is good to have aspirational targets, and better to at least be thinking about things outside our immediate frame of reference, ie the environment, social & humanitarian policy, liberation from oppression etc... than focussed on how big our biceps can be, who we can bonk next, and what colour to dye our hair. I'm not saying these things are all bad - just they should be put into perspective more than they often are. And I'm talking to myself as much as I am to anyone who's reading this post.
Sue: I think it' great that you made an effort to change things! Well done, good luck in the next election. And yes one can go for it all - I won't object.
Martin: I have found a lot of that same age group certainly more socialy aware / reponsible as well - the future is looking bright - despite what people say.
Post a Comment