Trump & Biden Are Still Using Masks to Prove Their Manhood
Tags: Biden, Gender, Politics, Trump, Masculinity

Clothing is an extension of the self, and as an extension of the self, humans use it to declare the features of gender that they believe in.

Over the course of the 2020 election American’s have been bombarded with two mainstream representations of masculinity. In Trump, we have a stereotypically toxic alpha male. Trump is the bread earner, the capitalist, the husband to a younger wife, the CEO-daddy to numerous children, and the divorcée to several other sensual women. We can clearly see the aspects of masculinity that he believes in, which continues to bring comfort to conservative circles in the United States.

In Joe Biden, we have the stereotypical beta-male. Also protected by his heterosexuality and bread earning status, Biden has attempted to become the enduring male option. One who values the people around him and can step aside to allow other experts to share in his limelight. Like Trump, he’s had multiple marriages, unlike Trump, Biden is a widower, not a divorcée. Biden has checked off each milestone of normative masculinity while continuing to be the softer alternative to Trump’s alpha manhood.

Between these two politicians, the beta-male and the alpha-male stereotypes have gone toe-to-toe. One of the most telling elements of this masculine see-saw is how each has chosen to include masks in their life and political propaganda.

Trump, as a classic alpha, has shunned the mask. His refusal to wear a mask is an extension of his own masculinity. It showcases that, regardless of what scientists and doctors say, a man’s man is always in charge of his destiny, family, health, and wealth. As head honcho, to accept a mask could be seen as anti-masculine. It would admit that he is fallible and would require an act of submission; wearing a mask can imply that he is taking orders from others. This man solidifies his view of himself (and his manhood) by a refusal to wear a mask even after he’d contracted the deadly virus.

Biden, the quintessential beta-male, recognizes that leadership does not mean steering the ship at all times. Rather, he welcomes the authority of others in areas that are not his expertise and adjusts his life accordingly. He shows that manliness means accepting one's limitations, whereas the toxic alpha male is threatened by limitations and vulnerability. In this way, the beta male becomes an infallible figure while the alpha can be viewed as excessive and unreasonable.

As Coronavirus continues to make headlines, masks are still a subliminal, yet central, element of each man’s Presidency.

Trump will not wear a mask and this is one of the many ways he expresses his masculine values and riles up his army of Bro’s. Biden wears a mask and even includes his masked face in his promotional materials. Biden’s masculine values, while very mainstream, include a submissive element that appears to intimidate Trump. Who remains boisterous and defensive in the face of Biden’s beta-tendencies. Even as the election came to the close, the polls usually tipped in Biden’s favor. Indicating that Biden’s approach to masculinity related to more Americans. A man who can adjust, listen to others, and admit imperfection is more credible than the formidable alpha male.

The other interesting element of masks and masculinity is how clothing isn’t just fashion — its technology.

Corsets and high heels are examples of how clothing can transform the body. Masks, which are the newest way humans are using clothing to express themselves, are also a technological tool that protects our health.

Trump, an avid climate change denier, has proven time and again to be no friend to technology. Unless, of course, he’s datamining with companies like Cambridge Analytica to sway elections. His refusal to wear a mask is another representation of the alpha-male psychology. The alpha wants us to believe that he does not need help from people or technology. Even though he needs people and technology to maintain his dominance.

Biden, on the opposite side of the spectrum, wants us to believe that he welcomes help and listens to others. In the final sprint to election day the Biden campaign launched numerous commercials blaming Trump for the disastrous handling of Coronavirus. The mask becomes a symbol of Biden’s manliness. By wearing a mask, Biden asserts that he will protect America and its citizens. His methodology of protection lies in his ability to work with others and accept technological advances. He might have a submissive personality compared to Trump, but that doesn’t mean he can’t serve as a protector and provider to the American people. Thus, by wearing a mask, Biden is a man’s man.

The details of this explosive election are telling signs of the candidate's values and psyche. Both men wanted us to believe that they could be America’s #1 Dad and each relied on masculinity to communicate their Presidential prowess. In the end, the American’s who voted were choosing what type of masculinity they would understand and accept. While Biden won fair and square, the margin was thin. Indicating that a large part of America is still in love with toxic masculinity, and will give it a refuge for the next four years until the next round of women and men throw their hats in the ring.