Male exotic dancers also known as male strippers have for many years been eliciting interest in people, and sometimes controversy. Being performers with sexually provocative appeal, they occupy a rather specific place within entertainment industry as well as gender and sexual roles in the society. Reading or hearing the term ‘male stripper’ brings into mind women stripping off their clothes for bachelorette party and colorful nights out but that is not the whole picture. Before going further let me to briefly analyze the historical background and key features of this entertainment type to understand the importance of it in cultural level.
Compared to the female stripping, the idea is quite contemporary in nature. In most societies throughout history it was nowhere as present sinc most societies were dominanted by patriarchal structures. But the change of social values and women’s sexual liberation and acceptance have led to male stripping to be as popular as women stripping. The idea of male stripping also began to materialize during the 1970’s which is also considered as another era of novelty. The sexual revolution and second-wave feminism of this age was the period where women demanded, reclaimed the right to sexual agency and breaking mainstream norms. Therefore, male exotic dancers emerged into observing the culture, which provided entertainment exclusively for women
The promotion of male strip dancing also continued to gain its momentum courtesy of the movies, television and the live drama. The 1983 movie “Flash dance” has the male stripping scene that went virulently to the extent of making it a common thing for males to strip for females. The movie that was specifically produced with an aim of bringing male stripping into the limelight and do it in a way that has not been done before was the “Magic Mike” released in 2012. It was so true to life and the lives of male strippers melbourne, the depiction was glamorous and sometimes rough as the film sought to bring out their humanity while showcasing their dancing as well as their well-toned bodies. “Magic Mike” not only introduced the world to male stripteasing but also significant discussions about objectification of males and other features of the problems of sexual stereotyping in entertainment.
In constructing enormous strippers they put up hard muscles, self- confidence, and sexual domination that may be associated with a male sex symbol. Most women understand that in a male strip show they are able to have their fantasies fulfilled but not in a real-life setting. Such performances enable women to be sexual and act out sexual fantasies in the context of society without being punished, contrary to what men do to women usually. In this respect, male stripping is I focus on female liberation and fantasy, and or desire as entertainment.
It is also especially important to note that Male stripping involves some dancing and the overall showmanship factor that comes with it. While more standard systematic performances of the female strippers, the male performers tend to mimic systematized aggressive proven choreography. A jube is another cultural dance that is performed in a very energetic manner meant to entertain the audience with dance, acrobatics and showbiz. The best male strippers also have the physical appeal, they are performers who know how to command the audience’s attention, get it to feel energized.
As it provides entertainment and empowermen to a few, it also exposes several concerns about men’s body as commercial property and such. This following similar to that of the constant observations female strippers endure criticism for engaging in a profession that is deemed to objectify women.
