Times Of Swaziland: ART: A PROFESSION LACKING SOCIAL RESPECT FOR MEN

ART: A PROFESSION LACKING SOCIAL RESPECT FOR MEN
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Bandiswa Vilane on 06/11/2024 06:48:00


IN modern society, there remains a significant gender disparity when it comes to
the societal perception of careers in the arts. While art as a field,
encompasses many forms of painting, sculpture, music, theater, and more, the
social respect and acceptance of this profession are often tied to deeply
ingrained stereotypes and expectations. One particularly notable aspect is how
men are less frequently encouraged to pursue art as a career, and the profession
is often not viewed as a prestigious or ‘manly’ occupation but rather as
something meant to be a hobby for women.Western societies have created emphasis
on certain ideals of masculinity, including strength, rationality and success.
These ideals have shaped how people perceive what roles men should occupy in the
workforce.
Feminised
The notion of artistic creativity was frequently feminised, with artists such as
poets, dancers, or musicians viewed as emotional or even weak or carrying
through art as a sign that they are bored and have nothing to do. This
stereotype lives on even today. From a young age, boys are often encouraged to
pursue ‘practical’ careers that promise stability, financial reward and
social prestige.Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, as
well as business-oriented professions, are heralded as legitimate and
‘respectable’ career paths. Art, on the other hand, is often dismissed as a
hobby or a less serious pursuit, something that doesn’t offer the same kind of
financial or social rewards and as insufficient to take care of a home.
Moreover, the stereotype of the ‘starving artist’ still looms large. The
idea that an artist will struggle to make a living, often through highly
unstable or unpredictable means, conflicts with societal expectations of men as
providers. Men, particularly in more traditional or conservative cultures, may
feel pressure to pursue careers that are seen as more ‘secure’ or capable of
offering a solid income, even if their passion lies elsewhere. A second factor
contributing to the lack of social respect for male artists is the stereotype of
emotional sensitivity, which is often attributed to artistic expression.
Displays
Men are culturally conditioned to suppress displays of emotion and
vulnerability, with an emphasis placed on stoicism, toughness and emotional
restraint as a sign of ‘manliness’. Art, which is often seen as an outlet
for personal expression and introspection, can therefore conflict with the
masculine ideal of emotional toughness. As a result, some men feel embarrassed
or hesitant to engage in creative work because they fear it will be seen as a
weakness or a sign of fragility.
Art as an expression of individuality vs. societal expectations is another
factor that contributes to art’s lack of social acceptance as a legitimate job
for a majority and especially men. In many cases, art is not about conforming to
societal expectations or producing something that fits into a mold—it’s
about personal exploration, expression and creativity. Which means that in
essence, it allows for a level of freedom and expression that typically
challenges the social expectations towards men. This is inherently at odds with
the traditional male role, which is often framed in terms of societal duty,
productivity and achievement – the Alpha male masquerade.
Challenging the status quo despite these challenges is a long standing battle,
although it may seem that to win the small battles in patriarchy is to create
more wins in hindsight for artists in which the primitive role is to break down
some of the barriers between gender expectations and artistic legitimacy.
Similarly, the rise of male dancers, musicians and performers who embrace
vulnerability and emotional expression is slowly reshaping perceptions of
masculinity in the arts. Men who embrace the arts challenge the societal
stereotypes that dictate what is ‘appropriate’ for their gender,
contributing to a broader cultural acceptance of diversity in career choices.
By pursuing their passion for creativity and expression, these men offer new
models of masculinity—ones that include sensitivity, vulnerability and the
pursuit of personal fulfillment over external validation. In fact, I often pin
point that the reason why the acceptance of artistry for women is slightly
better than that for men is simply because female artists are seen as women
partaking in a hobby – and they are not seen as individuals enhancing a
serious skill that is respectable. It is perceived as leisure for women and
inherently insinuating that it is not so important, but rather like applying
makeup and cooking and not worth a conversation as a career.
The lack of social respect and acceptance for art as a legitimate job for men is
rooted in historical, cultural and gendered expectations. Masculinity has long
been associated with strength, productivity and stability, while art has been
seen as a feminine or impractical pursuit. However, as gender roles continue to
evolve and artists break new ground in various creative fields, there is hope
that society will begin to more fully embrace art as a respectable and
fulfilling career for men. In the end, the act of creating—whether through
paint, music, or movement—remains a deeply human endeavor that transcends
gender and deserves recognition, respect and support.