Saw a "masculinity expert" on Twitter describe the typical male marathon runner's body as "low T" and thus should be avoided. But this was exactly the physique of a 28-year-old Gary Cooper in the 1929 film "Wolf Song." Like Brando, Cooper also represented a form of ideal 20th century masculinity.
Our conception of masculinity is always contextual to the time, shaped by both historical and contemporary culture. Today's "uber-masculine" men are much more shouty with a deep voice and He-Man physique. IMO, a product of our digital age and gender anxieties.
Interesting to see this 1947 test screen with Marlon Brando for the film "Rebel Without a Cause." Brando, of course, would later epitomize mid-century American masculinity. He was 23-years-old here.
reading a book about iran. apparently the gov there is run by a Supreme Leader who has conducted mass deportations, sent forces into cities, uses state licenses to control media, labeled protestors "enemies," slapped tariffs on industries, and is supported by religious extremists. didn't know this.