HBO’s True Blood has absolutely no trouble exploiting the sexy skin of its non-human cast of characters. Now, review that last part of the sentence: non-human. The show consists of vampires, werewolves, witches, panthers, fairies, and who knows what else will emerge within the confines of Bon Temps. All of who possess the most sensual, provocative, and seductive body figures. Does the sexiest of sexy body types in this show reflect the reality and culture of a human?
Stripped down and splattered with blood, Alexander Skarsgard, Anna Paquin, and Stephen Moyer pose in the nude for last September’s issue of Rolling Stones. What exactly does this cover suggest about culture and today’s society? One of the keywords we discussed in class was psychological. Culture is a major source of our DESIRE, what we love, hate, and fear. This captivating photo has a real way of, well, captivating us: making us desire and love everything about it ranging from the physical physique to the enchantment we feel from simply looking at it. Does this photo portray reality? No. It does, however, represent culture, development, and a desired lifestyle.
The sex appeal used in advertising and publicity today result in people desiring what they do not have. By naturally wanting to, perhaps, change your body figure; one is making a shift in culture whether they know it or not. It’s not just religion and race that create a culture but rather, actions and their effects. According to Susan Bordo, the body, how we dress, perceive ourselves to others, and daily rituals, is a medium of culture. Choosing to intensely work out to get the abs of Alexander Skarsgard or the butt of Anna Paquin is choosing to make an adjustment in ones cultural norms.
Culture is structured, as discussed in class. It is in code, but can be decoded. Everything we see, whether it is a sexy magazine cover or a movie character, inspires change in our lives. Without knowing it, that change, is in our culture.
I think we are often disposed in various forms of culture which often makes audiences desire which usually comes from sex appeals. Of course, I do not think something like this cannot be existed in a real life. But in a POP culture, it can be hard to be decoded and interpreted. Although this does not portray any reality side, I would say this form portrays what many people would desire
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