Why is male nudity in art so offensive to some people? Why is it often viewed as homoerotic? – The Easter holidays are the best time to face the truth and get this topic covered.
When Easter holidays approach I always remind myself what is it really about. Yes, it's about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Easter is THE most important event in Christianity because it symbolizes hope, renewal and victory over death. It's about the rebirth.
We do not know how the resurrection happened. First we are told that he, Jesus, is dead and put into a tomb, and the next thing we know – he is not there anymore. So, how was this resurrection from the dead happening in technical terms?
I can imaging Jesus rising bare from the dead. Without any burden or any weight of the old burial rags of the past life. – Jesus is risen! The past is gone, old rags no more!
Oh, but I am jumping way too ahead with this... Let me start by saying that the nudity itself – female or male nude forms in art – is not offensive. It's people who place the nudity in a cage and label it as "offensive". People are offended. People, not God. I do not believe there is something shockingly new for God in human nudity. Hasn't he created it all?
But let's go back to the male nudity. I can see quite a few reasons for some people to feel offended by it.
Male Body As A Taboo
You would agree with me when I say that in many cultures the male body –and especially the penis! – is considered a taboo. It has to be hidden, always covered, controlled, or, if shown bare at all then only in specific or private contexts. For example, pornography, Greek mythology or the Renaissance murals.
By the way, pornographic images are judged less by religious fanatics than the academic style artworks with male nudes.
When the male nudity is depicted openly in art, it can feel transgressive or shocking to people conditioned to see it as taboo.
Double Standards
I find it very interesting how the society seems to eagerly accept the female nudity. Because the society is used to sexualizing, objectifying, commodifying the female body. In contrary, the nudity of men is not tolerated because "oh, you can't show the vulnerability of men!". Male vulnerability is challenging the "norm".
Also, let's just ask ourselves, who is more offended by the male nudity in art – men or women? And why is that?
Male Supremacy, Power and Control
The male nude, especially when it’s not hyper-masculine or dominant, can be seen as a challenge to traditional ideas of masculinity. People who are invested in rigid gender roles might react negatively when they see male vulnerability, softness, or eroticism in art.
Religion
In religious circles, any nudity can be seen as just wrong. Period. It's just not "normal". Period. No matter the context. Period. Especially the male nudity which is instantly seen as homoeroticism and therefore it's a threat.
This is especially true when it comes to the circles of artists who create sacred art. Based on my experience and observation, there are more closeted gay artists creating religious art for the Catholic church than gay artists creating pornography. Those "sacred gays" are closeted, afraid and/or just money-driven, playing along with the "norm".
These closeted gay artist seem to be the most zealous fighters against the male nudity in art.
Homophobia
Now, some people think way too much about gay culture, more than queer people think of it themselves. Underneath it all is the fear of "the different". Of course, male nudity in art is triggering discomfort and outrage in people with internalized or explicit homophobia.
Or maybe they are just angry at themselves for not being brave and strong enough to confront their inner self?
Self-Fear
Yes, the self-fear is my last argument for today. We know that all art reflects us back at ourselves. For some people, seeing male nudity in art – especially in raw, emotional ways – can stir things those people don't want to confront. – Vulnerability, sexuality, desire.
These are my thoughts on why some people see the male nudity in art as offensive. What do you think?
However, Jesus is risen! Bare or not, he is risen for you and for me. He is risen for those who appreciate the male nudity in art and for those how are threatened by it.
Today, I want to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and his victory over death. I want to celebrate the human form that he has created. I want to honor the divine beauty of the human body, male and female. I want to continue exploring my and our identity.