Abstract
This article draws on the life history of an elite, black, male bodybuilder to explore
the social meanings of muscle in the construction and confirmation of specific
forms of masculine identity. Attention is given to childhood experiences in a hostile
environment and how this initiated a quest for a hyper-muscular body. Having
successfully achieved this aim by winning a British Championship a turning point
moment prematurely terminates his sporting career. The aftermath of this moment
for his sense of self are examined by focusing on experiences of the following:
negative pain, an atrophying body, the loss of a disciplined body and an athletic
identity, and becoming ‘black again’ in a small body. Finally, some reflections on
the muscled self and its aftermath are provided.
the social meanings of muscle in the construction and confirmation of specific
forms of masculine identity. Attention is given to childhood experiences in a hostile
environment and how this initiated a quest for a hyper-muscular body. Having
successfully achieved this aim by winning a British Championship a turning point
moment prematurely terminates his sporting career. The aftermath of this moment
for his sense of self are examined by focusing on experiences of the following:
negative pain, an atrophying body, the loss of a disciplined body and an athletic
identity, and becoming ‘black again’ in a small body. Finally, some reflections on
the muscled self and its aftermath are provided.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 131–160 |
| Number of pages | 29 |
| Journal | Auto/Biography |
| Volume | 13 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2005 |
| Externally published | Yes |