Sports Toxic Masculinity - Ancient Greece (1)
Toxic Masculinity can be seen as extreme or not extreme, there are different shades to it just like there is for feminism or any other activism. There is a beginning to it all, and toxic masculinity in sports started from the very first game played and the media kept femininity out of it.
Wrestling was the first "sport" ever created by man. It was extremely popular in Ancient Greece as it was one of the earliest forms of combat. And of course, it was a way for a man to share their masculinity with the public. It was not always a form of hatred and combat, it was found in the Greek Olympics Games. Media back then is obviously different than it is now, but word still got out that whomever was the best wrestler, was the most masculine man.
Women were the side show and supporters of these men and it would have never been allowed for a women to participate in such a "manly" event.
The perfect man was advertised in Ancient Greece media as; physically strong, courageous and a skilled fighter. This cultivated the desire of becoming the ideal man that the media created as it showed off the warriors and strong men of Greece. And one way of becoming the ideal man, was to show the characteristics of a good wrestler; physically strong, courageous and highly skilled.
Media use during this time were statues of men who were considered the most "masculine." If you did not look like that statue, then you would not be considered a true man.
Photo credits: www.decorarconarte.com
If a boy was seen to be as "feminine," they would be asked if they were pregnant yet (implying they were a woman). The body of a man also showed whether they were masculine or not. In Greece, men needed to be built strong and slim to gain attention and be considered a true man and warrior. That is why a majority of sculptures made of men were this exact description.
Toxic Masculinity comes in many forms, and it is not new. But, it has shifted through time as forms of media have developed to cultivate new ideals and beliefs for what a man should be. Though it has evolved, you will see through out history that not a whole lot has changed for toxic masculinity.
Source:
https://www.courtauldian.com/single-post/2019/02/28/Masculinity-in-Ancient-Greece