Hypermasculinity & Sexual Assault

 Today we'll be having a look at the following questions: "Explain how sexual behaviour could be socialized in males. Do you think that males who commit sexual assault are "hyper-masculine"? Why and where do men learn "hyper-masculine" behaviour?" These questions are a little more open-ended than some of the other questions we've had a look at, so I'll answer more with my own experiences and things I've seen or heard other people experience, rather than my usual online sources. Note that my thoughts and opinions are being formed just after reading this, this, and this article.

Sexual behaviour is socialized in males by their peers and the media they consume. Boys develop their "sexual attitude" based on how they hear the people around them talk about sex. If, for instance, a guy hears his friends talking about sexually aggressive behaviour and listens to music that promotes sexual aggression, he will likely adopt those beliefs himself and may be more likely to commit a sexual assault. On the other hand, if he were to receive a proper sex education and surround himself with people who are less sexually aggressive, he will likely have a more respectful and realistic view on sex.

I feel the next question is a little too boolean. I think that some males who commit sexual assault are hypermasculine. The term hypermasculine is defined as "the exaggeration of male stereotypical behavior, such as an emphasis on physical strength, aggression, and sexuality." Think of behaviours and activities that are commonly deemed "manly" or "macho" for a good example of hypermasculinity. Hypermasculinity can definitely play a part in sexual assault for a few reasons. If a man believes that sexually assaulting a woman would prove him to be stronger and gain admiration from his peers, he may be more likely to do so. Even if he doesn't care what his peers think, he may commit sexual assault to reaffirm his own "manliness" or masculinity to himself. 

Hypermasculinity can begin to develop as early as early childhood. Boys who are more aggressive as children may often learn that aggressive behaviour is more likely to get them what they want in the short term. This behaviour is further promoted throughout developmental years by advertising and other media. I would presume that advertising for men's products has a particularly strong influence, as there have been some fairly "questionable" widespread ads. The introduction of this paper alone does a great job of demonstrating that nearly everybody has a pretty similar of what a "real man" looks like, and so this expectation demonstrates and promotes hypermasculinity.

Now that we've had a look at hypermasculinity and sexual assault, let's see if we can't find the motive behind and an actual sexual assault. This news article from Global News reports a groping at Lynn Canyon. Because this was just a groping and not a full-on rape, it's unlikely that the motivation was sexual. Reportedly, the perpetrator walked away laughing, suggesting that he thought this behaviour was funny and okay. Thinking this behaviour is funny could suggest hypermasculinity. He clearly doesn't think that this behaviour is as harmful as it is, or doesn't really care, which is likely indicative of the kinds of people he is surrounded by and the media he consumes. The motivation was just for a bit of fun for the perpetrator, because he has been influenced to believe that minor sexual assaults are funny and may even find amusement in doing something illegal and unethical.

What's so attractive about violence?

 Today we'll be taking a look at 6 questions relating to violence, and why people seem to enjoy seeing violence sometimes. I'll be both providing my own thoughts and opinions, as well as trying to take an objective look through studies and statistics.

1. What is the attraction of violent videogames and movies?

In my experience most games that are violent aren't actually mainly interesting or enjoyable because of the violence. The violence is usually just a means to encourage a competitive environment between players. That said, there definitely are games where the violence is one of the main selling points, such as doom eternal. I think that the reason these sorts of games are so popular is because they're inherently enjoyable. There is some part of the brain that just naturally enjoys problem solving through violence, and indulging that part of the brain can be a great stress reliever. It's much the same concept for movies; seeing somebody else solve problems through violence not only subverts modern expectations, but is inherently interesting and to some degree enjoyable. The reason for this likely has to do with survival instincts left over from a more primitive time. This interview/article suggests that violence has survival value for any species, and seeing violence can give a sort of adrenaline rush, which can be really exciting in a safe environment.

2. Is there more violent imagery in media now as opposed to the past? Why?

I wouldn't necessarily say that the intensity of the violence has increased, but the availability certainly has. You'd have a very slim chance of opening a news site and not seeing anything violent. Even on the average scroll through social media, you're very likely to see something that at least suggests violence. There will always be something violent happening in the world, and people will always be talking about whatever the newest and biggest violent thing happens to be. Media in general has never been as readily available as it is today, and so it makes natural sense that increased access to media means increased access to violent media.

3. What kinds of people are drawn to violent imagery? What kind of violent images draw them to that form of entertainment?

Alright first of all this question is phrased in such a way that doesn't make much sense. But I'll still try to answer it. According to this video here, anyone from anywhere around the world is likely to be attracted to violence. This website proposes that violence is learned through exposure to violence at a young age and through the environment that surrounds us. If this is the case, people who were exposed to violence at a young age or regularly in their day-to-day life may be more likely to be drawn to violent media. 

The type of violent imagery that draws people in would greatly depend on the person and what they're trying to get from the media. People may be more likely to prefer sexual violence, physical violence, property crimes, etc depending on what fantasies they're trying to fulfill, or what they have been exposed to in the past.

4. What is morbid curiosity?

This article here just about sums it up and explains it. Morbid curiosity is the urge we get to subject ourselves willingly to seeing violent or otherwise unpleasant things. The article I linked before suggests that the reason for morbid curiosity stems once again from survival instincts. In order to avoid danger, we need to see the results of that danger. Seeing someone else get hurt may help us to make better informed decisions in the future to keep ourselves alive, and so we feel an urge to look.

5. Are there any equally satisfying substitutions for violent entertainment?
 It is well known that the two things that sell are sex and violence. If that's the case, then clearly these two must be nearly equivalent in satisfaction value. While they're likely equal, they are in most cases quite different, and satisfy different parts of our brains and nature.

6. What draws our attention to violent media events that are not intended to entertain?

This one likely once again connects back to morbid curiosity and survival instincts, as well as a need to feel informed on what's happening in the world around us. Humans are also inherently drawn to conflict and conflict resolution, due to our pattern seeking problem solving brains, and where there is violence there is most certainly conflict.