Synthesis Question Number Two

This piece is called Discobolos. It is a stone sculpture of a man holding a disk with a great amount of strength. This represents culture not only today, but in ancient Greece as well. The men of most cultures have been recognized as the strong protectors of their families. Each society has different standards, but for the most part that is the archetype of a man. Men are pressured or expected to have large muscular bodies or broad figures and a defensive sign. The bodies of men have been wanted to be maintained by not only society, but also prospective mates. Men are wanted to have tone, lean bodies and if they lack more muscles than they do fat, it is look down upon. However, due to the obesity rate in this era, it is somewhat overlooked.

In religion, men have also dominated. They have taken the most prestigious positions, such as clergymen, high priests and even popes. The piece of are that was sculpted hundreds of years before the modern era, reveals how society viewed men. Not much has changed. Even thought women have gone through religious exploration and education just like men have, he more abundant gender in the religious field seems to be men. This sculptor shows the masculinity of men in most categories; however, it’s not just a physical aspect, like in religion.

Lastly, men have dominated in the academic category. Even though in the more recent explorations, many scientists have been women. In ancient or even post modern eras, men were the one if not discovering, but accredited for discovery. For example, some of the greatest scientists of the early B.C were male. Like, Aristole, who defined tragedy for literature and drama, but also wrote Poetics, a piece which has contributed greatly to this eras literature, philosophy and theory. The chosen picture describes the societal opinion on men during that time. It shows men as how society expected them to be. They were to be protective, providing, muscular and strong. All of which expected and aspired traits have slightly differed due to eating habits, personal fitness, and societal expectations.