Strength and Masculinity

While critiquing these two photographs, the first thing that deserves attention is the text. Kruger chose the pronoun "your" which suggests that someone other than herself is responsible for the actions and consequences displayed. Because the artist is a woman, I can't help but assume that she was referring to men, creating a differentiation between genders.

As the chapter said, there is an ideological difference between gender roles. Stereotypically, a woman belongs at home, bearing children and generally having a sweeter, softer disposition. Countering that is the role assumed by men in which they are hunter and gatherers, protecting their land and their family with force and strength. The act of war epitomizes this.

Historically, women were kept out of the military and science fields. Kruger illustrates the devastation that comes from these advances achieved by "man." Perhaps strength, shown literally through the man's toned forearm holding the torch, is measured by the "joy" and satisfaction that follows power and control.