Male bodybuilders vs. Male fitness models Double standard?
I went to a bb contest in MD with a friend Saturday evening. Lots of great competitors and gorgeous models. The outcome was expected as the winner’s size and definition was off the chain. However, this show had a male fitness model division and my friend and I were very surprised at the disdain and very obvious LACK of love shown to the models when they did their routines. The audience’s homophobia was quite blatant–no one applauded these competitors, you could hear snickering and whispering, and the MC made it a point to encourage the audience to give these guys some respect. Two guys in front of us shook their heads as if they had not seen anything so pathetic. But when the male bbers came out and posed (in less clothing mind you), there was cheering, yelling, and screaming from these very same people. One guy went wild when a competitor hit a rear leg shot and exposed his glutes.
Soooo….is there a double standard when it comes to the public’s attitude toward male bbers and fitness models? Are bbers "masculine" and fitness models "effeminate?" I have trouble understanding how a person can cheer, whoop and holler at at a dude coming onstage in nothing but posing trunks, but have a problem with another dude coming out modeling his body in swimwear. One is not more "gay" than the other. In fact, neither are. Just my 2 cents, but then again, maybe I’m just too open-minded. LOL
September 15, 2008 at 7:23 am
From what you’ve written, it could be your right about the double standard. You’ve asked some very difficult questions that may not have any answers!
September 15, 2008 at 7:41 am
You’ve got a good point bro. I think it’s a combination of ignorance and preference.
Some guys (like myself) have never heard of male fitness modeling competitions. I can admit that I’m ignorant OF the type of competition but also realize that these guys are bodybuilders themselves. They just want to maintain a more ‘functional’ level of muscular development. No knocking them.
I’m sure that some of the audience were bodybuilders themselves and out of preference, chose to save their applause for the ‘bodybuilding’ competition.
Now think about this: The male fitness model physique is more attainable than lets say, Jay Cutler’s level of size and definition. It’s more attainable, therefore more people could successfully participate in such a competition. More participation would result in greater popularity for the sport. It may very well be the future of bodybuilding!
So I would definitely encourage others to be a little more open-minded and thoughtful before disrespecting or knocking male fitness modeling.
November 7, 2008 at 5:26 am
I totally disagree with the double standard I never heard such nonsense -I see no difference except from the labeling of the different categories. I just dont get the american male -it seems woman are much smarter and more openminded than some men
I am a gay male and I am appalled that this is an issue . Unless the women were booing the proceeding also -I tend to believe that would and does not happen since they are in love with the male physique in all it glory.
November 7, 2008 at 5:27 am
I totally disagree with the double standard I never heard such nonsense -I see no difference except from the labeling of the different categories. I just dont get the american male -it seems woman are much smarter and more openminded than some men
I am a gay male and I am appalled that this is an issue . Unless the women were booing the proceeding also -I tend to believe that would not and does not happen since they are in love with the male physique in all its glory.
November 7, 2008 at 8:14 am
It probably wasn’t a gay thing, just a size thing. They probably think a fitness category is for women. And me too BTW. I wouldn’t care how gay a guy was, if he was a top or a bottom. If he is big and cut, he has my attention.