By Sophia Nurse
We’re all use to Kim Kardashian flaunting her goods for all the world to see, however it’s the unveiling of a famous male specimen that’s just sent social media into a frenzy. This transpired just last week when British actor Orlando Bloom was shot paddleboarding in all his naked glory while vacationing in Sardinia.
Bloom who was accompanied by his girlfriend, Katy Perry and appeared almost too comfortable whilst soaking up the rays in his naked splendour. So what is it about the naked male body which sends the internet world into hysteria? Modern culture is becoming increasingly desensitised in regards to sex, violence and nudity, to the point where the image of a naked woman in the media is run-of-the-mill.
However the appearance of a stripped down male is comparatively rare, whilst discussion of the size and shape of their johnson inevitably comes into play. But what is perhaps more shocking is the parallel nature of the paparazzi shot compared to mainstream media, where the female is notably more covered up than her male partner, as singer Katy Perry dons a bikini next to the commando Bloom.
Just yesterday, Justin Bieber was also photographed a second time baring all with Sahara Ray in tropical Hawaii. So in the age of stripped down Emily Ratajkowskis, Rihannas, and Kylie Jenners, should we embrace the rise of the male exhibitionist, or do both depictions objectify the said individual? Or perhaps it’s simply a case of cultural tradition and the female body being more aesthetically pleasing to the human gaze since the rise of the female nude in Western art.
Whatever the cause for the hype, I’m sure time will tell if we’ll continue blushing over the eggplant emoji or be content seeing it all hang out.
