A recent analysis of the remains of an ancient female found that she was lying beside a hunting toolkit, suggesting that women were big game hunters in prehistoric times. Despite this, many men still associate meat with masculinity. Research in Sydney found that some men felt their masculinity was threatened when visiting vegan restaurants. However, more men are rejecting the idea that meat and masculinity are intrinsically connected. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a former meat-loving bodybuilding icon, has cut his meat consumption by around 80% and has become a keen animal lover, sharing his home with a donkey, miniature horse, dogs, and a pig.
As reported in recent research, the association between meat and masculinity is deeply ingrained in our culture. However, this idea is being challenged by a growing number of men who reject the notion that eating meat is necessary to be perceived as “manly.” Celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jason Momoa are leading the charge in redefining masculinity by showing compassion towards animals and adopting companion pigs.
Schwarzenegger, a former bodybuilding icon and meat lover, has cut his meat consumption by around 80 percent since his bodybuilding days. He now lives off mostly plants and takes care of a flock of animals, including a newly adopted companion pig named Schnelly. Schwarzenegger is known amongst friends for his love for animals, and he proudly announced the new arrival on social media, posting a photo of him cuddling both a dog and Schnelly with the caption “The family is growing.”
Similarly, Momoa, best known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Aquaman, has been vocal about his love for animals and his plant-based diet. He has also adopted a companion pig named Pablo, whom he frequently shares pictures of on social media. Momoa has said that he believes that showing compassion towards animals is a demonstration of true masculinity.
The association between meat and masculinity is not just a cultural stereotype; it is deeply ingrained in our biology. However, recent research has shown that this association may not be as clear-cut as we once thought. One analysis of the remains of an ancient female found that she was lying beside a hunting toolkit, suggesting that she was likely a big game hunter. Further research suggests that between 30 percent and 50 percent of big game hunters were biologically female.
Despite this evidence, many men still feel that their masculinity is threatened when they are presented with plant-based options. Last year, research carried out in Sydney interviewed several self-confessed meat-loving men after they had visited vegan restaurants and found that most felt their masculinity had been threatened during the process. One participant said that the beef-free patties were “ruining his reputation as a man,” while another said, “I was feeling I was sacrificing my manhood, my masculinity.”
However, the number of men who reject this idea is rising. For some, showing compassion towards animals seems to be the new demonstration of true masculinity. Celebrities like Schwarzenegger and Momoa are leading the way in redefining what it means to be a “manly” man. By adopting companion pigs and promoting a plant-based lifestyle, they are showing that masculinity can be redefined to include compassion towards animals.
To end with a flourish, the association between meat and masculinity is being challenged by a growing number of men who reject the notion that eating meat is necessary to be perceived as “manly.” Celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jason Momoa are leading the charge in redefining masculinity by showing compassion towards animals and adopting companion pigs. As our understanding of gender continues to evolve, it is essential to challenge cultural stereotypes and redefine what it means to be a “manly” man.
