Cowboys and cocks : the heterosexual construction and homosexual appropriation of masculinity

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores the performative construction and appropriations of heteronormativemasculinities by heterosexual and homosexual men respectively. My interest inmasculinity as a culturally constructed fantasy is extended to imply a desire for themasculine. The idea of masculine desire is further developed by indicating a possible(homo)sexual desire for the heteronormative representation of masculinity.In highlighting the artificial and material qualities of the assumed stable phallus, theimpassable structure of hegemonic masculinities, such as manifested in the cowboy andbodybuilder, is turned into the penetrable penis as object of the male gaze. I willconcentrate on the fetishization of heterosexual masculine signifiers in physiquephotography in order to demonstrate this shift in the male gaze.Masculinity as a (de)attachable component allows the de-subjectification and thus, depoweringof heteronormative masculinity by the possible appropriation thereof by gaymen.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University