Shift

 

The shift in attraction and cultural preferences you're referring to is complex and influenced by various factors across the last 200 years. It involves historical, social, and cultural changes, often shaped by colonialism, globalization, and shifting ideals of beauty and masculinity. Here's a breakdown of some key influences:

1. Colonial Influence and Western Ideals
Colonialism: The British, and other European powers, had a massive impact on India and many parts of Asia, introducing their own ideas of beauty, masculinity, and societal norms. Western ideals of the "ideal man" were often associated with a lean, muscular physique, influenced by Greco-Roman sculptures and physical culture. This was juxtaposed against traditional images of Indian masculinity and physicality, such as the more rounded or robust depictions of gods like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
Industrial Revolution and Modernization: The rise of industrialization in the West created a new type of masculinity—one that was athletic, lean, and physically fit. This was often portrayed as a result of scientific thinking, fitness regimes, and advancements in understanding human health and physique, contrasting with more sedentary, traditional roles like those of religious priests or monks, who were often depicted with heavier or fuller figures.
2. Shifting Cultural Narratives
Religious Figures vs. New Models of Masculinity: Figures like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma were traditionally associated with spiritual strength, wisdom, and cosmic energy, but their depictions often reflect a more serene and philosophical ideal. They are sometimes shown with fuller physiques, which align with their roles as timeless, divine beings, embodying various qualities beyond just physical appearance. The modern world, particularly after the 19th century, began to favor more "active" models of masculinity, influenced by sports, military ideals, and Western pop culture.
The Image of the Monk/Priest: Monks and priests, historically revered for their spiritual practices, began to be viewed differently over time. Their focus on spirituality, asceticism, and intellectual pursuits led to their often portly depictions (especially in classical art). As Western culture idealized a more active, "heroic" physicality, the traditionally passive, contemplative figure of the monk became less appealing to some, especially in the growing context of materialism and physical prowess in the modern world.
3. Rise of Modern Media and Globalization
Media Influence: The 20th century saw a massive increase in global media—films, advertisements, and popular culture, which promoted a very specific, often Eurocentric, standard of beauty and masculinity. Hollywood films, fashion magazines, and later social media, all highlighted lean, muscular physiques, which were seen as the epitome of male attractiveness. These trends, which were increasingly global, began to influence not just the West but also the East, altering perceptions of what the "ideal" male body should look like.
Pop Culture and Western Masculinity: Characters in Western pop culture—ranging from action heroes in movies (like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Lee, or James Bond) to the rise of bodybuilding as a sport—became iconic representations of masculinity. These images were marketed as the standard of "strength" and "attractiveness," and they were often contrasted against more spiritual or religious images.
4. Socioeconomic Changes and Shifting Gender Roles
Women's Changing Roles: As women gained more access to education and the workforce, particularly in the 20th century, there was a shift in their own expectations and desires. Women were no longer looking for just a provider or someone with spiritual wisdom; they were also looking for physical attraction and compatibility with their evolving roles in society.
The "Stud" Ideal: The "stud" type you refer to—lean, muscular, and foreign-looking—became more dominant due to a combination of factors: the rise of global fitness culture, the popularity of bodybuilders, and the influence of foreign (Western) media. These men were seen as strong, athletic, and aligned with the modern, globalized idea of male power and confidence.
5. Body Image and Changing Standards of Beauty
Cultural Shifts in Beauty: In the past, ideas of beauty were more about fullness, health, and prosperity (whether in terms of food, family, or wealth). Over the last 200 years, particularly with the advent of mass media, the Western ideal of a "chiseled" body became a new norm. With the rise of fitness culture, "lean" became synonymous with "healthy" and "attractive," whereas more robust figures, like those often depicted in traditional Indian art and religion, began to seem less ideal in a world that increasingly emphasized physical prowess over spiritual or philosophical depth.
6. Rivalry and Excuses for the Shift
Cultural Displacement: As India and other countries under colonial rule sought to modernize, some of the traditional images of masculinity and power became symbols of a past they wanted to distance themselves from. The traditional "fat priest" figure, often depicted as peaceful and detached from worldly concerns, might have been seen as a remnant of an older, less "active" masculinity, while the leaner, more muscular "stud" figure aligned better with ideas of modernity, strength, and success.
Westernization and Identity Crisis: Post-colonial societies often experienced a tension between maintaining indigenous cultural traditions and adopting Western ideals of modernity. The shift toward the lean, muscular body can be seen as part of a broader trend of trying to modernize or "Westernize" to align with global standards of beauty and success. This sometimes led to the discrediting or devaluation of traditional figures like priests or monks.
Conclusion
The shift in preferences toward lean, muscular, and "foreign-looking" men over the past 200 years is rooted in a complex mix of colonial influence, changing media representations, the rise of fitness culture, and the transformation of gender and social roles. While figures like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma were revered for their spiritual qualities and cosmic symbolism, the modern focus on physical prowess, muscularity, and physical appeal has contributed to changing ideals of masculinity. This reflects a broader cultural transformation, influenced by Western ideas of power, beauty, and success, but also tied to changing dynamics of identity and self-perception in a globalized world.