Looksmaxxing

There is this stereotypical paradigm of gay men that is constantly being perpetuated on social media: 6 feet, often white, shirtless, handsome or cute, six pack, broad shoulders, you get the idea. It’s not necessarily the image that I have a problem with because that image is actually the healthiest state of being, assuming there’s no underlying drug or psychological issues. It’s really the flaunting of that sort of lifestyle on social media that gives one pause. I feel that teenagers, especially those whose bodies are still in the developing phase, when exposed to such unrealistic beauty standards cannot help but develop low body self image in response to these pictures (some of them clearly doctored) that are ubiquitously associated with the stereotypical gay man. 

Yet, I don’t necessarily blame these ultra-goodlooking folks for posting either. For many, these are influencers who are simply trying to make a living in the world using their God-given talents. It’s their job to do that and that is the incentive structure that’s been set in place by these powerful companies not to mention us consumers. Nevertheless, we live in a society where these ultra-sexualized images are not only widely available to be consumed, but touted as something for everyone to aspire to. Maybe it’s all just a marketing scheme by the gym industry, and I think a large part of that could very well be, so perhaps it’s not all bad. 

One thing’s for sure: those Godly physiques that these influencers have does not last forever. Physical beauty is ephemeral. What will happen when all of a sudden the focus on looks fade? Relationships that were started purely on superficial terms would surely crumble if the underlying basis for those relationships were taken away. It really makes you think and almost feel a bit sorry for some of these influencers. Much like some celebrities, are these individuals aware they’re in for an inevitable decay and are they adequately preparing themselves mentally for that decline?