Global issue Focus: Social Representations of masculinity

Literary Work: Delilah by Carol Ann Duffy from ‘The World’s Wife’ collection, 1999

Non-literary work: President Barack Obama, Kehinde Wiley Presidential Portrait, 2018

Overview from each collection:

“The World’s Wife” by Carol Ann Duffy is a collection of poems that recontextualises popular mythological and historical stories which have been significant in Duffy’s upbringing. She offers a female perspective on traditionally male-oriented stories, challenging the female stereotypes which have been associated with the characters. Duffy alludes to these stories while also forming a captivating social commentary (or critique) on contemporary relationships through her use of dramatic monologue’s. Universally recognisable themes such as love, jealousy, and anger and explored in a rather humorous way which makes them relatable and entertaining for a wider modern audience.

Each President of the United States has a portrait which is created to honour their presidency. President Barack Obama asked Kehinde Wiley to paint his portrait. Wiley is a traditional fine artist who typically paints oil on canvas. His style is comparable to traditional neoclassical artists, however there is one major difference, his subjects have a modern style and are often representation of black men in the US. His aim as an artist is to challenge the stereotypes which are perpetuated about black men in media. He empowers traditionally disempowered individuals. His art positions black men in power and often emulate traditional famous portraits.

Summary paragraphs on each extract:

Carol Ann Duffy explores the concept of masculinity through her poem Delilah, where Samson a strong strong warrior is depicted as vulnerable and weak. Duffy explores how love, vulnerability, and intimacy, which are often perceived as feminine qualities are powerful and valuable. Having the ability to love and be vulnerable requires trust and sacrifice, which Duffy tries to portray to Delilah’s “act of mercy”. Though the reason for Delilah’s actions is controversial, Samson’s portrayal in “Delilah” challenges the commonly held belief that being the hyper-masculine or  “alpha male” is a socially admirable quality. 

Kehinde Wiley challenges canonical representations of masculinity in the arts by painting Barack Obama in a grounded, eye-level pose surrounded by foliage and flowers. This contrasts with the other presidential portraits which portray the past American presidents in a traditionally masculine and powerful way. Wiley makes Obama look approachable thoughtful and kind-hearted rather than cold. He aims to empower black men by challenging stereotypes that have been perpetuated by the media.