Exploring the Hegemonic Gendering process

     Jennifer Aniston is a woman who comes to mind when I think of an example of an ideal woman as far as the dominant US societal norms go. For two decades she has dominated the Hollywood scene due to her looks and personality. Her blonde hair, blue eyes, tan skin, good smile and slim figure distinguishes her as a beautiful individual in the eye's of the American majority. Additionally, her personality is known by those who pay some sort of attention to celebrity gossip as sweet, caring and genuine - at least that is how I have perceived her through interviews. Her young adulthood was certainly her prime, however she is still a highly sought after actress, especially as she strives to redefine herself as an actress and a person. The most recent news I have seen about her have been about her fitness and healthy eating habits, which she is sharing with Americans who are listening because she is iconic in the US. 

     My idea as to how a real/ideal man and woman is supposed to look, behave and be like was largely generated via mass media consumption. Everywhere I look, there are pictures of slim, beautiful, young women and chiseled, well-groomed, young men, reestablishing the look of dominant US societal norms. Interviews, TV shows, and magazine articles support those notions and take them to another degree because they introduce what the American majority considers ideal behavior and personality. Through the mass media, I have learned that it celebrities are kept in the best light when they kept their opinions to themselves regarding racy material and also when they avoid any drastic changes to their physical appearances. This is because they are supposed to be pleasing to the public's eye, but in reality people have opinions and preferences that might not agree with the large majority.

     This is a picture of my older brother AJ and he without a doubt is who I think of when asked to give an example of a real or ideal man. He is my biggest role model due to the way he looks at life, treats people, and carries out his action. By no means does he match dominant US societal norms, but in my eyes he is the greatest person I know. My brother was blessed with good looks, but I have noticed that as he matures, he relies less and less upon them and more upon how intellectual he is. My version of a real/ideal man challenges the societal norms probably because I have known my brother for my entire life; I have seen him grow and vice versa, while also influencing each other's upbringings and seeing that growth has allowed me to appreciate the confident, passionate and awesome man he is now. AJ's ability to articulate and express his opinions in a non-imposing manner sets him apart from other people I have come across, which makes me view him as even more real and ideal, however that behavior is definitely frowned upon in most societal settings.