CHISELED CHAINS: UNRAVELING TOXIC MASCULINITYIN THE GYM BRO CULTURE
'Gym Bros: The Face of Toxic Masculinity' was a thought-provoking visual report that shed light on the often-neglected issue of men's body and muscle dysmorphia. Through extensive micro and macro trend research, I noticed a societal tendency to overlook men's body image concerns, particularly among the gym-going community, while women's body issues garner more attention and awareness.
Driven by a passion for exploring this underrepresented topic, I delved into the connection between the "gym bro" subculture and the manifestations of toxic masculinity, specifically the constant need for validation and pursuit of an idealised physique. To provide a captivating visual narrative, I drew inspiration from the old-school bodybuilding scene of the 1960s and 1970s, creating an immersive and visually compelling presentation of my findings.
Throughout this project, I showcased my multifaceted skills, including:
1. Research Prowess: I conducted in-depth visual, primary, and secondary research to uncover the nuances and intricacies of the subject matter, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
2. Creative Writing: I honed my creative writing abilities to craft compelling narratives and present my findings in an engaging and thought-provoking manner, effectively communicating the complexities of the topic.
3. Design Expertise: Leveraging my design skills, I curated a visually striking report that seamlessly blended text, imagery, and layout, creating a cohesive and impactful visual experience for the reader.
4. Communication and Collaboration: I demonstrated strong communication and collaboration skills, effectively engaging with subject matter experts, gathering diverse perspectives, and synthesising information into a cohesive narrative.
This project not only allowed me to explore a topic that I am passionate about – with aspirations to work in the fitness industry – but also showcased my ability to tackle complex societal issues with sensitivity, nuance, and creative flair. By shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of men's body image struggles, 'Gym Bros: The Face of Toxic Masculinity' challenged societal norms and sparked important conversations around toxic masculinity, validation-seeking behaviours, and the pursuit of unrealistic body ideals.
Driven by a passion for exploring this underrepresented topic, I delved into the connection between the "gym bro" subculture and the manifestations of toxic masculinity, specifically the constant need for validation and pursuit of an idealised physique. To provide a captivating visual narrative, I drew inspiration from the old-school bodybuilding scene of the 1960s and 1970s, creating an immersive and visually compelling presentation of my findings.
Throughout this project, I showcased my multifaceted skills, including:
1. Research Prowess: I conducted in-depth visual, primary, and secondary research to uncover the nuances and intricacies of the subject matter, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
2. Creative Writing: I honed my creative writing abilities to craft compelling narratives and present my findings in an engaging and thought-provoking manner, effectively communicating the complexities of the topic.
3. Design Expertise: Leveraging my design skills, I curated a visually striking report that seamlessly blended text, imagery, and layout, creating a cohesive and impactful visual experience for the reader.
4. Communication and Collaboration: I demonstrated strong communication and collaboration skills, effectively engaging with subject matter experts, gathering diverse perspectives, and synthesising information into a cohesive narrative.
This project not only allowed me to explore a topic that I am passionate about – with aspirations to work in the fitness industry – but also showcased my ability to tackle complex societal issues with sensitivity, nuance, and creative flair. By shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of men's body image struggles, 'Gym Bros: The Face of Toxic Masculinity' challenged societal norms and sparked important conversations around toxic masculinity, validation-seeking behaviours, and the pursuit of unrealistic body ideals.