Toxic Geek Masculinity in Media: Sexism, Trolling, and Identity Policing

Description

This book examines changing representations of masculinity in geek media, during a time of transition in which “geek” has not only gone mainstream but also become a more contested space than ever, with continual clashes such as Gamergate, the Rabid and Sad Puppies’ attacks on the Hugo Awards, and battles at conventions over “fake geek girls.” Anastasia Salter and Bridget Blodgett critique both gendered depictions of geeks, including shows like Chuck and The Big Bang Theory, and aspirational geek heroes, ranging from the Winchester brothers of Supernatural to BBC’s Sherlock and the varied superheroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Through this analysis, the authors argue that toxic masculinity is deeply embedded in geek culture, and that the identity of geek as victimized other must be redefined before geek culture and media can ever become an inclusive space. Front Matter ....Pages i-xiii Introduction: Actually, It’s about Toxic Geek Masculinity… (Anastasia Salter, Bridget Blodgett)....Pages 1-16 “Dick in a Box”: Hypermasculine Heroism in Geek TV and Film (Anastasia Salter, Bridget Blodgett)....Pages 17-43 Beauty and the Geek: On-Screen Representations of Geeks (Anastasia Salter, Bridget Blodgett)....Pages 45-71 Come Get Some: Damsels in Distress and the Male Default Avatar in Video Games (Anastasia Salter, Bridget Blodgett)....Pages 73-99 Through the Boob Window: Examining Sexualized Portrayals in Transmedia Comic Franchises (Anastasia Salter, Bridget Blodgett)....Pages 101-129 Bronies on the Iron Throne: Perceptions of Prosocial Behaviors and Success (Anastasia Salter, Bridget Blodgett)....Pages 131-156 One of Us, One of Us!: Representations and Dialogues with “Fanboys” and “Fangirls” (Anastasia Salter, Bridget Blodgett)....Pages 157-187 Conclusion: That’s Not How Geek Masculinity Works! (Anastasia Salter, Bridget Blodgett)....Pages 189-207 Back Matter ....Pages 209-214