Photo Assignment - Male Stereotypes

I chose to do my photo assignment with a focus on gender stereo types against males. Some of the stereo types can be seen as positive, some can be seen as negative. For the most part they are just inaccurate. Everyone is an individual with personal feelings, desires and goals, regardless of the individuals gender. Stereotypes are thrown upon men from the moment their pregnant mother finds out their sex. The babies room is painted blue, closet filled with sweatshirts and jeans, and toys like trucks, jungle animals and action figures are bought. Little boys are taught to be defensive, tough and to protect others. A study was done that confirmed that 22% of parents in the United States don't teach their sons to do household chores like washing the dishes and folding laundry.

Men are just as capable of household chores and taking care of children, as women are. Regardless of capability, they should be given the option to choose, before judgements and assumptions about them are made. It is this, that inspired my photo assignment. I had him stand before the mirror twice. Once with societies expectations of him written across it. He had a stern tough look, as men are expected to be seen. On the mirror I wrote "How society sees me...", along with adjectives like: "controlling, messy, doesn't know how to cook, emotionless, aggressive, not responsible for taking care of children." All are adjectives that could apply to anyone, not just men specifically, and some don't even apply to a variety of different men as well. The second time he stood before the mirror he smiled and showed off his goofy side. I wrote on the mirror "Who I really am..."with positive qualities that he has that differ from the expected stereo type of men. The adjectives I wrote for him were, "open minded, organized, loves to cook, expresses his feelings, easy going and family oriented." I feel that my photographs show and promote individuality. It's not necessary to fit the mold that society gives you. It seems that if one would, they would be giving up their personality and lose them self.