The Private Gender

Have you ever wondered why we never see a man naked (or even HALF-naked most times) on television and the movies? I'm not talking about pornography; I mean your average Hollywood film or even indie flick. Even cable channels that need not be as readily concerned with potential child viewers, such as Showtime or HBO. I don't say this out of perversion, only flat out curiosity. I have wondered about this from time to time and it's easy to find any kind of rationale I suppose: Men's genitals aren't considered 'beautiful.' Men are more sensitive and vulnerable about exposing themselves because their parts are outside of their body. We live in a patriarchal society, so naturally women's bodies are more objectified than men's. But I could also easily find arguments to shoot loopholes in all those inaccurate assumptions.

Both men and women have functional body parts. If it is argued that we can display a woman's breasts because technically they are 'mammary glands' (which, let's face it folks...when viewed that way, makes them sound a whole lot LESS sexy!)....it can be argued that a man's penis is functional to urinate as well. See how silly the logic can go if we reach for any rationale?

If we live in such a patriarchal society, why aren't we seeing more men's bodies on display? Wouldn't they want to proudly display their masculinity?

If men are so incredibly self-conscious about showing their parts, then how can they urinate in front of one another at urinals every day in public restrooms?

Why is it so controversial? I got to thinking more about this the other night when I was watching one of my favorite movies, "Secretary." There is a scene at the end of the movie where Maggie Gyllenhaal is completely nude. You can see her breasts and a small patch of pubic hair revealing her genitals. Meanwhile, James Spader is completely clothed. What's up with that?

It made me wonder how each gender would react if roles were reversed for a day....if instead of seeing a woman's naked body in television, movies, media....what if it were the men who were physically exposed? I bet men would be upset if they never got to see a woman's body. After all, they are visual creatures. A little secret though....so are women! And what about gay men. No wonder they tend to resort to watching pornography; it's the only chance they have of seeing a man's naked flesh!

If roles were reversed, would we live in a world of matriarchal value where exposing a woman's body would be the ultimate taboo? Is the gender that's exposed more respected less? Does the gender that reveals less subtly hold more of a perceived power maybe? Consider the cliche' phrase we sometimes use to describe when someone has been insulted: "He/she hit below the belt." A telling phrase?

What about exposing both genders? Surely this is a sociological issue, as I know other countries are more open with exposing naked bodies than America...yet, we seem to have more hangups and repressed sexual perversions than other countries. I would have to do some research on this, but it's strongly likely.

Maybe if we were more comfortable with our bodies, the idea of nakedness wouldn't be such a prude concept after all.