Male Gaze - Marilyn Monroe Gaze vs. Masculine Cisgender Gaze - Marilyn Monroe Gaze

Attribute	Male Gaze - Marilyn Monroe Gaze	Masculine Cisgender Gaze - Marilyn Monroe Gaze
Definition	Concept in feminist theory that describes the depiction of women in media from a heterosexual male perspective	Concept in feminist theory that describes the depiction of women in media from a heterosexual cisgender male perspective
Focus	Focuses on the objectification and sexualization of women	Focuses on the objectification and sexualization of women
Origin	Coined by Laura Mulvey in her essay "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema"	Derived from the concept of Male Gaze but specifically refers to the perspective of cisgender men
Impact	Reinforces gender stereotypes and perpetuates unequal power dynamics	Reinforces gender stereotypes and perpetuates unequal power dynamics

Introduction

Marilyn Monroe, one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history, has been the subject of various gazes throughout her career. In this article, we will explore the attributes of the Male Gaze and Masculine Cisgender Gaze as they pertain to Marilyn Monroe's image and how they shape our understanding of her as a cultural icon.

Male Gaze - Marilyn Monroe Gaze

The Male Gaze, a concept introduced by Laura Mulvey in her essay "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema," refers to the way in which visual media is structured around a masculine viewpoint. When it comes to Marilyn Monroe, the Male Gaze is evident in the way she is often portrayed as a sex symbol, with her beauty and sensuality being the focal point of her image. This gaze objectifies Monroe, reducing her to a mere object of desire for the male viewer.

Throughout her career, Monroe was often depicted in films and photographs in a way that catered to the Male Gaze. Her iconic white dress blowing up in the air in "The Seven Year Itch" is a perfect example of this, as it emphasizes her curves and sexuality, inviting the male viewer to gaze upon her body. The Male Gaze also plays a role in the way Monroe's image has been commodified and used to sell products, perpetuating the idea of her as a sex symbol.

Furthermore, the Male Gaze in relation to Marilyn Monroe often focuses on her vulnerability and innocence, portraying her as a damsel in distress in need of male protection. This reinforces traditional gender roles and power dynamics, with Monroe being positioned as the object of male desire and fantasy. The Male Gaze also contributes to the mythologizing of Monroe as a tragic figure, emphasizing her struggles and personal demons rather than her talent and achievements.

In summary, the Male Gaze in Marilyn Monroe's portrayal perpetuates the objectification of women, reinforces traditional gender roles, and contributes to the commodification of her image as a sex symbol for male consumption.

Masculine Cisgender Gaze - Marilyn Monroe Gaze

While the Male Gaze focuses on the objectification of women through a masculine viewpoint, the Masculine Cisgender Gaze adds another layer to this by emphasizing the gender identity of the viewer. In the case of Marilyn Monroe, the Masculine Cisgender Gaze involves the perspective of cisgender men who view her through the lens of their own gender identity and sexuality.

Unlike the Male Gaze, which is more generalized in its focus on the objectification of women, the Masculine Cisgender Gaze specifically centers on the experiences and desires of cisgender men. This gaze reinforces traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, with Monroe being positioned as the epitome of feminine beauty and allure for cisgender male viewers.

Moreover, the Masculine Cisgender Gaze in Marilyn Monroe's portrayal often highlights her relationships with powerful men in Hollywood, such as her marriages to Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller. These relationships are often romanticized and portrayed as defining aspects of Monroe's life, further reinforcing the idea of her as a woman who exists in relation to men.

Overall, the Masculine Cisgender Gaze in Marilyn Monroe's image perpetuates gender stereotypes and reinforces the idea of women as objects of male desire and possession. It also highlights the ways in which Monroe's image has been shaped and controlled by the male-dominated entertainment industry, further complicating our understanding of her as a cultural icon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Male Gaze and Masculine Cisgender Gaze both play significant roles in shaping the portrayal of Marilyn Monroe as a cultural icon. While the Male Gaze objectifies Monroe and reinforces traditional gender roles, the Masculine Cisgender Gaze adds another layer by emphasizing the perspective of cisgender men in viewing her image. Together, these gazes contribute to the complex and multifaceted understanding of Monroe as a symbol of beauty, sexuality, and femininity in popular culture.