scholarly journals Rewriting masculinity with male bodies: The sexualization of male martyrs in Prudentius’ Peristephanon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Christabel Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Gaze Theory ◽  
Sexual Object ◽  
Present Ability

<p>It is now generally accepted that Saint Agnes is portrayed in the Peristephanon as ambiguously gendered (she is masculinized and refeminized), sexualized and objectified in such a way as to intentionally lead the reader to view her as a sexual object. Scholars have used philology, intertextual readings, gaze theory and, most successfully, Laura Mulvey’s conception of the workings of voyeurism4 in order to explicate and examine the portrayal of Agnes in Prudentius’ Peristephanon. However, as the above quotations indicate, there is a similar though different, subtler mode of sexualization, sexual allusion and, therefore, objectification that may be read in the Peristephanon’s martyrdoms-- those of the male saints. The passages quoted above show Agnes welcoming her executioner as a lover in strident rhetoric while Cassian’s executioners are exhausted from torturing him to death and are described in terms similar to lovers near the end of their exertions, giving new meaning to his exhortation that they ‘be vigorous’. This highlights the importance of the virility of the executioner/s as they stand in for God as agents whose actions will complete the contract of martyrdom and bring the martyr into a union, or marriage, with Christ. The eagerness and ability of the executioners is integral in this transaction. Agnes’ lover with his ‘eager steps’ and ‘hot desires’ is masculine and forceful enough to please even the masculinized Agnes. While Cassian’s torturers fail because they are not fully-grown and cannot therefore bring the contract to completion. Indeed Cassian only speaks once in the entire poem and it is to exhort his torturers to finish him off, to exhort his lovers to (at last) become men. Cassian is presented with exactly the kind of lover that Agnes has spurned, soft effeminate boys. Yet Cassian does not speak against their suitability as the chosen instruments of his bridegroom. He is feminized through his passive acceptance of the manner of his death. Then, much like Agnes, is remasculinized as the boys’ penetrations fail to kill him and God must step in. Cassian’s masculinity is undermined by that which is not present: ability in rhetoric, agency, and virility. And although it is recouped by God, it is interesting that he and his masculinity have taken a detour through mute objectification and passivity, a sort of sexualization.</p>

scholarly journals Rewriting masculinity with male bodies: The sexualization of male martyrs in Prudentius’ Peristephanon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Christabel Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Gaze Theory ◽  
Sexual Object ◽  
Present Ability

<p>It is now generally accepted that Saint Agnes is portrayed in the Peristephanon as ambiguously gendered (she is masculinized and refeminized), sexualized and objectified in such a way as to intentionally lead the reader to view her as a sexual object. Scholars have used philology, intertextual readings, gaze theory and, most successfully, Laura Mulvey’s conception of the workings of voyeurism4 in order to explicate and examine the portrayal of Agnes in Prudentius’ Peristephanon. However, as the above quotations indicate, there is a similar though different, subtler mode of sexualization, sexual allusion and, therefore, objectification that may be read in the Peristephanon’s martyrdoms-- those of the male saints. The passages quoted above show Agnes welcoming her executioner as a lover in strident rhetoric while Cassian’s executioners are exhausted from torturing him to death and are described in terms similar to lovers near the end of their exertions, giving new meaning to his exhortation that they ‘be vigorous’. This highlights the importance of the virility of the executioner/s as they stand in for God as agents whose actions will complete the contract of martyrdom and bring the martyr into a union, or marriage, with Christ. The eagerness and ability of the executioners is integral in this transaction. Agnes’ lover with his ‘eager steps’ and ‘hot desires’ is masculine and forceful enough to please even the masculinized Agnes. While Cassian’s torturers fail because they are not fully-grown and cannot therefore bring the contract to completion. Indeed Cassian only speaks once in the entire poem and it is to exhort his torturers to finish him off, to exhort his lovers to (at last) become men. Cassian is presented with exactly the kind of lover that Agnes has spurned, soft effeminate boys. Yet Cassian does not speak against their suitability as the chosen instruments of his bridegroom. He is feminized through his passive acceptance of the manner of his death. Then, much like Agnes, is remasculinized as the boys’ penetrations fail to kill him and God must step in. Cassian’s masculinity is undermined by that which is not present: ability in rhetoric, agency, and virility. And although it is recouped by God, it is interesting that he and his masculinity have taken a detour through mute objectification and passivity, a sort of sexualization.</p>

Hidden, visceral and traumatic: a dramaturgical approach to men talking about their penis after surgery for penile cancer

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Branney ◽  
Karl Witty
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Penile Cancer ◽  
Stage Of Disease ◽  
Self And Other ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Maximum Variation ◽  
Sexual Object

Drawing upon concepts of expressive equipment and body image, the aim of this study is to explore how men diagnosed and treated for penile cancer construct their penis and its surgical disfigurement (penectomy). Using maximum variation sampling with the intention to acquire the broadest range of experiences of stage of disease and treatment, 27 cisgender men (aged 48-83, x=63) who had surgical treatment consented for their data to be archived for analysis. From a dramaturgical perspective, the constructionist thematic analysis explored direct and indirect talk about the penis after surgery. The analysis showed that through graphic and sequential narratives of dismemberment revealed, participants constructed a post-surgery period in which they both wanted and did-not-want to see their penis. Additionally, participants constructed themselves managing difficult emotions through others and seeing themselves being rejected by a potentially desiring (female) Other. The findings extend research on male genitals by showing how the post-surgery penis can function as something hidden but visceral and traumatic when revealed. Importantly, this paper illustrates body image as expressive equipment where body and identity are formed in the image of manhood, which is an intersubjective (sexual) object between self and other.

The Communication Barriers in a Ukrainian Family: Adultery and Socio-Psychological Aspects

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-81
Author(s):  
Hlib A. Prib ◽  
◽  
Svitlana S. Bondar
Keyword(s):  
Family Communication ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
Verbal Description ◽  
Destructive Effect ◽  
Psychosocial Disorders ◽  
Parametric Data ◽  
Inferiority Complex ◽  
Sensual Pleasure ◽  
Sexual Object

A common cause of disruption of family communication is adultery, which creates a traumatic situation and even leads to family destruction. The purpose of the article is to investigate sexual and psychosocial disorders in family communication under adultery—research methods. The study used validity methods «Eysenck Inventory of Attitudes to Sex» and «Diagnostics of the inferiority complex». Statistical methods. For the non-parametric data correlation variables, the Spearman coefficient was used, Kendall's, Pearson's. Results: The present study found the destructive effect of the psychological characteristics of sexuality on family functioning in CGA. The connection between disappointment with existing sexual relations and desire for sexual satisfaction was established (p <0.05). Conflicts between beliefs and internal impulses were detected (p <0.05). It was found that treating a partner as a sexual object without finding sensual pleasure correlated with intolerance to a verbal description of bed scenes (p <0.05). Sexual shyness is a characteristic of couples with sexual inactivity and aversion to sexual manifestations (p <0.05). In turn, the difficulty of acquiring sexual excitement correlated with a fascination with only physical sex without its spiritual component (p <0.05). Conclusion: Features of the psychological response of men and women in CGA and CG in the genesis and development of impaired family life are connected to the following: a great number of complexes and constant struggle with personal weaknesses, drawbacks, mistakes; fear of analyzing oneself and one's own actions by "hiding" and "postponing" the resolution; inflated self-esteem, self-deception, living in the so-called "imaginary world", low communication (p <0.05).

scholarly journals Some Observations on Psychopathy

1966 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-139
Author(s):  
Donald J. Mcculloch
Keyword(s):  
Antisocial Behaviour ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
The Other ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Human Being ◽  
The Family ◽  
The One ◽  
Sexual Object ◽  
Socializing Agents ◽  
Identical Behaviour

There is no convincing evidence to support the view that antisocial behaviour can be accounted for by reference to concepts such as learning defect, immaturity or lack of moral fibre. The criminal displays behaviour towards authorities identical to that displayed by a patriot in an occupied country towards the enemy. This identical behaviour, it is asserted by some, shows in the one case instability, cowardice, lack of resolve and in the other case, stability, courage, resolve and strength of will. These statements reveal the attitudes and bias of the observer without illuminating the situation of the observed. It is more relevant to examine what the psychopath has learned and the conditions in which his learning took place than to pursue enquiries aimed at demonstrating a learning defect. The human being is born without the attitudes, beliefs and sentiments towards e.g. property, sexual object etc., which are necessary for his successful incorporation into his ongoing social group. It is the intention of society's socializing agents, the family and the school, to inculcate in the developing human being these necessary attitudes, sentiments and beliefs. Psychopathic personalities are the consequence of the socializing process gone wrong. This paper describes the types of psychopath together with the learning situations which brought them about. The implications for treatment programs are examined.

scholarly journals Masculinity in Indonesian Popular Culture in the Early Era of the New Order Regime

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Ferry Fauzi Hermawan
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Mass Culture ◽  
Male Dominance ◽  
New Historicism ◽  
New Order ◽  
The Social ◽  
The One ◽  
Sexual Object ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
The Ideal

This study aimed to identify the forms of masculinity in the Indonesian popular culture in the beginning of New Order regime. This study was based on the two novels: Cross Mama and Kekasih-Kekasih Gelap, written by Motinggo Busye. The analysis used new historicism theory proposed by Stephen Greenblatt. The analysis also considered various cultural contexts emerged in 1970s. The results show three shared trends in the novels. The first trend shows that the masculinity tends to be represented by both men worshiping patriarchal values such as the myth of woman’s virginity and men perceiving woman as a sexual object. The second trend shows that masculinity is stereotyped based on masculinity, power, and male dominance. The third trend shows that masculinity relates to various products of mass culture at the time. This last trend shows that in that era,the ideal male figure is represented as the one who: (1) is sexually active with many women, (2) has a muscular body, (3) has a handsome look, and (4) has a financial capability. Besides the shared three trends, the result also shows that the texts in the novels do not only reflect the cultural situations in the 60’s and 70’s but also contribute in shaping the social values of the cultural situations.

Experiences of international tourists with healthy signature foods: a case study in Malacca

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 1869-1882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mageswari Kunasegaran ◽  
S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh ◽  
Sofiah Kadar Khan
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourist Gaze ◽  
Tourist Destinations ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Gaze Theory

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences of international tourists with healthy signature food at a tourist destination, and explore the perceptions of food providers regarding the preparation of healthy signature foods. Healthy signature food at tourist destinations has become a crucial factor that can determine whether tourists revisit a tourist destination. The relevant literature review and Urry’s tourist gaze theory indicate that there is a lack of previous research on healthy signature foods among international tourists and food providers. The current study addresses this gap by providing a holistic understanding of healthy signature foods and how they have led to a culture of healthy eating in the tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach A case study was conducted in Malacca, a World UNESCO Heritage Site, to identify the experiences of international tourists with local signature foods. A purposive sampling method was selected to gather information from international tourists and food providers. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews to gain a detailed perspective of healthy signature foods. Findings The results revealed four thematic analysis outcomes, namely, memorable food experiences, food hygiene consciousness, cultural values and tourist happiness, which directly impact tourists’ satisfaction and intention to revisit. Additionally, aspects such as type of trip, trip frequency and the purpose of the trip influenced tourists’ experiences with healthy signature food. Furthermore, it was found that the selected food providers prepared their meals according to the standard procedures. Originality/value The current study extends Urry’s tourist gaze theory by exploring tourists’ perceptions of healthy signature food as well as exploring the way the food is prepared. Healthy signature food has much potential as a means of attracting and sustaining international tourists at tourist destinations. Furthermore, it strengthens the supply chain relationship between international tourists (customers) and food providers (suppliers) in the food tourism industry.

Sexual Object or Sexual Subject? Media Use, Self-Sexualization, and Sexual Agency Among Undergraduate Women

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Monique Ward ◽  
Rita C. Seabrook ◽  
Petal Grower ◽  
Soraya Giaccardi ◽  
Julia R. Lippman
Keyword(s):  
Media Use ◽  
Sexual Agency ◽  
Undergraduate Women ◽  
Sexual Object

Recent Progress in Weather Routeing for Merchant Vessels

1992 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S. Hopkins
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gases ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Ocean Surface ◽  
Public Concern ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Very High ◽  
Present Ability ◽  
Made In

The weather is rarely out of the news. Weather can be hazardous at times almost anywhere on Earth, and the media are always keen to report dramatic events. On the global scene, weather, climate and the environment are issues of great international public concern at present because of the likely implications of increases of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The contributions of the meteorologist to the understanding of this global problem are increasingly recognized, as is the progress which has been made in the accuracy of day-to-day forecasts. This paper provides a brief résumé of our present ability to model and forecast the behaviour of the global atmosphere and the ocean surface, and also demonstrates how these models are applied to the practical problems of operational ship-routeing by the UK Meteorological Office. It is worth remembering that it was the very high incidence of losses at sea in the 1850s which brought about the establishment of the UK's first meteorological service.

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