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Abstract
In this essay, I want to engage critically the concept of “inclusive masculinities” to argue that it needs to account for the dimension of age. As part of a third phase of masculinity research that goes beyond the theoretical framework of “hegemonic masculinity” (Connell) to fathom the diversification of forms of masculinity, Eric Anderson deploys “inclusive masculinities” to theorize the proliferation of a plurality of non-vertical, non-hegemonic types of masculinity. These varied types allow for emotional intimacy with friends and physical tactility with other men, embracing activities and objects once coded feminine and, crucially, they eschew violence and bullying. As inclusive as this paradigm of changing masculinities is, it has largely overlooked the dimension of age. Aging men in film, media, and popular culture are typically depicted in a stay of decay and decline, while shifting patterns of masculinity seem to be limited to youth males.
My case study for this cross-reading of inclusive masculinities with aging studies is an iconic photograph of two aging celebrity athletes. On September 23, 2022, freelance photographer Ella Ling captured an image of tennis superstars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal holding hands while sobbing uncontrollably during the tribute paid to the former’s retirement from professional tennis. The photo went viral on social media, and journalists and fans were quick to embrace it as a corrective to what popular discourse refers to as “toxic masculinity.” I will analyze this photo as an iconic picture that captures the masculine zeitgeist of contemporary times. The image of the two male celebrities expressing affection and friendship is all the more significant given that failure in elite sports is usually tied to inability to manage emotions. This photo not only challenges prevailing norms around masculine behavior but also the way young athletes are socialized into sport (privileging hypermasculinity, dominance, and aggression). As a visual positive model of inclusive and of aging masculinities (compared to the infamous images of bravado of younger tennis stars such as Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Zverev), this photo also makes great strides in presenting a forward-looking picture of Iberian aging masculinities. This is particularly crucial for Rafael Nadal’s celebrity brand, which is associated with a traditional form of manhood (his brand logo is “the raging bull” connoting masculinity, strength, and power), and who has been involved in sound polemics regarding his backwards views on gender equality.
Notes
1 “Toxic masculinity” is gaining traction both in popular and academic discourse to refer to misogynist and homophobic attitudes and speech by men. It has become particularly widespread in media stories related to the #MeToo movement. However, Carol Harrington notes that most scholars “who use the concept frequently fail to define it or integrate it within broader theorization of masculinity.” In her view, feminist thinkers should avoid this concept because it reduces the issue of sexism to the character traits of specific men, thus individualizing what should be faced as a structural problem (346).
2 Women’s professional tennis has come a long way in their struggle to achieve equal prize money in Grand Slams and getting prime time spots in tournaments. But they still face continuing problems with double standards—i.e., when they show emotions on court they are criticized and penalized much more than their male colleagues—and with prejudices over their athletic abilities (Laxton).
3 Both have channeled their philanthropic efforts through their respective foundations. The Roger Federer Foundation was created in 2003 to support educational projects for children. 2.4 million children from six South African countries plus Switzerland have benefited from the initiatives implemented by the foundation in collaboration with local associations. The Fundación Rafael Nadal was created in 2010 with the belief in the transformative potential of sports and education to make a difference among marginalized populations. The foundation partners with other organizations to implement programs in India and Spain designed to offer more inclusive access to education for socially disadvantaged communities.
4 The original quote was: ““Estamos en mundo global en el que la gente debe tener cada vez más derechos. Cada cual debe tener la libertad de expresar los sentimientos que tenga, siempre que no dañen a los demás.”