What Does “Reject Modernity, Embrace Masculinity” Mean?

The phrase ‘reject modernity, embrace masculinity’ encapsulates a complex interplay of cultural, social, and economic critiques rooted in modern societal norms. Modernity, a term that refers to the cultural, social, and economic changes of the late nineteenth century onwards, is marked by significant transformations such as industrialization, urbanization, technological advancement, secularization, and individualism. This essay delves into the implications and critiques associated with this slogan, particularly as it is used in the fitness and bodybuilding community.

Understanding Modernity and Masculinity

Modernity encompasses a broad range of changes that have shaped contemporary society. These changes, including industrialization, urbanization, technological advancement, secularization, and individualism, have profound impacts on how societies function and how individuals perceive themselves.

Masculinity, on the other hand, refers to attributes, behaviors, and roles traditionally associated with men. Historically, these have included traits such as strength, stoicism, assertiveness, and leadership, along with societal expectations that emphasize provider and protector roles. However, cultural constructs of masculinity can vary widely depending on the time and place.

The Slogan and its Interpretation

The slogan 'reject modernity, embrace masculinity' serves as a critique of modern social norms, particularly those that are seen as undermining traditional masculine values. Proponents of this view argue that modernity fosters gender fluidity, feminism, and a weakening of traditional values, leading to a perceived erosion of essential masculine traits.

Bodybuilding and Fitness Culture

The bodybuilding and fitness community often employs this slogan to promote a culture focused on health and physical strength. Predictably, proponents advocate for a lifestyle that includes:

Physical Health: Emphasis on bodybuilding, strength training, and overall physical fitness. Healthy Lifestyles: Encouragement of balanced eating and good hygiene practices. Demarcation from Modernity: Visual and symbolic contrast between lifestyles they reject and those they advocate, often characterized by criticism of modern cultural trends.

However, the execution of this message is often polarized with a negative portrayal of what is considered modern life, depicting it as weak and feminine. Images of cross-dressers, teenage girls hating men, homosexuals, and social media influencers like Mukbang producers are frequently used to represent 'modernity.' On the other hand, images of bodybuilders, MMA fighters, and other strong individuals symbolize the ideal of masculinity.

Please Consider the Broader Context

It is important to recognize that the critique of modernity often oversimplifies the complexity of modern life. Modernity not only implies industrialization and technological advancement but also access to education, better living standards like good medical care and food variety, and improved hygiene. The benefits of modernity extend beyond physical strength and include intellectual growth and personal freedom.

The fitness and bodybuilding community may rightly promote a healthy lifestyle. However, they do so in a manner that appears to ridicule and diminish those who do not adhere to their vision. This often leads to a gender-role reinforcing, patronizing, and diminishing perspective that is far from inclusive.

Conclusion

While the fitness community's advocacy for a healthy lifestyle is commendable, their approach to the critique of modernity and promotion of masculinity is questionable. The disregard for diversity, intellectual achievements, and the integration of different perspectives can be seen as a failure in self-confidence and inclusivity.

Ultimately, the slogan 'reject modernity, embrace masculinity' reflects a complex interplay of cultural and social critiques. While it has some positive aspects, it also carries with it significant critiques, particularly in terms of inclusivity and diversity. The fitness community should strive to promote a more balanced and inclusive narrative that recognizes the multifaceted nature of modernity and the diverse ways in which people can express their masculinity.