Beyond Female Aesthetics

When the word "masculinity" is brought up, we often assume that word with male stereotypical behavior. This behavior is highlighted as a man who heavily displays and emphasizes aggression, sheer physical strength, and the bodily physique. These are traditionally accepted beliefs and general norms. However, being "masculine" is not just limited to mannerisms and physical appearances. It also pertains to actions as well. If you stand up and take charge, you're considered as a man. If you're the bread-winner of your family, you're considered as a man. If you enjoy watching active sports, you're considered as a man. Even if you possess the knowledge and skills on how to maintain and repair an automobile or a household appliance, you're considered to be a man. "Come on, man up!" "Don't be a wuss! Be a man!" In other words, these are the supposed characteristics and expectations of a man in society. The role of the alpha male and the affirmation of power. These hypersexualized notions present on what defines a true man. In my opinion, there is no such confirmed actual statement of what a "true man" really is. The reason being is that I believe that many people have varied perspectives. We are now in the late 2010's and there has been many recent shifts in terms of society's views on sexuality and gender identity. The LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community presents a range of vocabulary terms that an individual may identify as. To list a few, these terms include being cisgender, queer, asexual, pansexual, gender-bending, a "lipstick lesbian", and butch & femme. The majority of these words may seem foreign and unfamiliar to some people. It was for me at first. But, after doing much analyzing and research, it all began to make more sense. Referring back to masculinity, a question that is being addressed here is this: Can masculinity occur without a male presence? I certainly believe it can. If you, the reader, maintain different attitudes and beliefs about this subject, please feel free to comment below. Trust me, I'm not a narrow-minded feminist with extremist views so I'm open to any reasonable discussions. No tolerance for hate, misogyny, and misandry, please.

Women may possess masculine features and qualities, and masculinity has the potential to go beyond the traditional female aesthetic. This aesthetic is viewed as stereotypical. Long hair, applying cosmetics, and wearing feminine clothing emulates what a woman is supposed to be along with mannerisms and actions that are perceived to be of a feminine nature. "You fight like a girl!" "You throw like a girl!" These are statements that we've probably heard in popular culture and media. These are not actually compliments, but insults that are being hurled at. In a society that has been traditionally patriarchal, the status of merely being female has always been under the shadows of the rising and dominant male figure. Until recent times. In result, these insults foreshadow and indicate what is considered to be weak and unintelligent. To be honest, it's a sexist remark too. Hence, when someone "fights or throws like a girl", that person is viewed as weak, vulnerable, and dull. Sure, women can present their strengths by displaying their confidence in various ways. Women who identify as being more feminine can flaunt their sexuality and physical appeal, because they're not afraid to make a statement about themselves. But, not all women choose to do that. Women who identify and lean more towards as being masculine choose to present themselves in certain ways that are generally not perceived as "normal" in society. There are various factors. This can include the way that they appear, dress, act, or feel. This may also stem from growing up as a tomboy or even cross-dressing. I know that for me personally, I leaned more towards growing up as a tomboy. I preferred wearing baggier and darker attire, and disliked applying on cosmetics. I preferred action and thriller films rather than romantic comedies. My mannerisms such as my sitting posture and bodily movements were also boy-ish. Even though I am now a mix of a tomboy and "girly-girl", I still find myself continuing to lean towards being a tomboy. I wear unisex and men's clothing, and have no serious problem with being androgynous. In terms of my sexual orientation, I generally identify as a straight woman. But, I've had doubts about my sexuality in the past. Not only did I find certain men attractive, but I also found certain women attractive as well. However, I've come to the conclusion that I was never actually bisexual and in that for women, I was never fully sexually attracted to them either. So, was I attracted to women sexually? No. But, was I attracted to certain women because of their personality, beliefs, and way of living? Yes. Instead, I felt a platonic attraction and admiration towards them. Going back, if women feel more comfortable and powerful wearing a suit and applying minimal to no make-up, then that is how they assert themselves; the take-charge attitude that we mostly all desire to display or have experienced and situated ourselves in.

In this 2004 Korean film, A Family, Jung-Eun is a tough and rebellious woman with a convicted past. However, Jung-Eun, portrayed by actress Soo Ae, possesses a soft heart when it comes to protecting her family from trouble. She risks her life for her family and instead puts them as her first priority. Female masculinity is illustrated in her headstrong character and even in this image. Gender politics also play a role, as women who smoked were generally seen as corrupt, inappropriate, and immoral. Jung-Eun challenges that role in the film and became somewhat of a poster child for rebellious independence and valor.

Elements of female masculinity are presented here in Go Eun-Chan's character. Eun-Chan, portrayed by actress Yoon Eun-Hye, is a tomboy who acquires that assertive, take-charge attitude of a bread-winning, leading female as she is depicted working hard to support her low-income family in this 2007 Korean drama, The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince.

Speaking of androgyny, I'm going to shift my attention to this topic. Female androgyny, that is. Androgyny is defined as the combination and coexistence of both masculine and feminine characteristics. Nowadays, that term also correlates to being gender-neutral. Androgyny is quite prevalent in the fashion industry and with the industry entering in different directions and beyond, gender-neutral clothing lines are up-and-coming. Androgyny is very beautiful to me because it presents the best of both attributes. It is also a freedom of expression and representation of what the individual may identify as. For example, I have always discreetly made it one of my life goals to shave off all of my head hair. Not only just to donate my hair to a good cause, such as raising awareness for cancer. But, because I believe that I'll still feel beautiful either way. A woman doesn't need hair to look feminine. Androgyny has no gender boundaries and it's very fluid. It doesn't restrict to the traditional or conceived notion of what a man or woman is supposed to look like or act. Gender ambiguity is limitless so in result, it lacks social construct. 

While Eun-Chan already appears to be an effeminate boy, she really is not. In this scene, she is placed in a difficult and puzzling situation with the lead male character. In result, she first disguises herself and cross-dresses as a male by binding her chest.

5 Androgynous Female Models Who Redefined the Fashion Industry and Challenged Fixed Gender Characteristics & Attributes

Erika Linder

Born and raised in Sweden, Erika Linder models for both male and female clothing lines. As a gay woman, she is best known to have a keen resemblance to a young Leonardo DiCaprio.

Elliott Sailors

A model who originally modeled for lingerie ads and was previously married to a straight man, Elliott Sailors now identifies as a lesbian and reinvented themselves to model for male clothing lines back in 2013. Sailors prefers to be addressed by gender-neutral pronouns.

Agathe Mougin

The French model turned DJ intertwines masculine details and gender fluidity as a personal fashion statement and choice.

Milou Van Groesen

Hailing from the Netherlands, Milou Van Groesen isn't afraid to flaunt her feminine and masculine sides. She models for both female and male clothing lines, and gains confidence from those two attributes.

Rain Dove

The 6"2 model from rural Vermont was a former UC Berkeley student and firefighter before they turned to modeling as a career. They shattered gender stereotypes and challenged social stigmas of what men and women are supposed to wear. Dove prefers to be addressed by gender-neutral pronouns.