The representation of aspects of Afrikaner and British masculinity in the first season of Arende (1989) by Paul C Venter and Dirk de Villiers : a critical analysis

Abstract

This study performs a critical analysis of the representation of Afrikaner and British masculinity in the first season of the South African War (1899-1902) television series Arende (1989-1993). The study first identifies key concepts in both western identity and masculinity and then moves on to build an historical theoretical base from which season one is analysed. This theoretical base is created through the assimilation of historical sources dealing with masculinity and masculine events from both the Afrikaners and the British. In order to provide a suitable foundation for the investigation into masculinity, the study first briefly explores the concept of identity and how it manifests in both the Afrikaner and British society represented in the first season of Arende. This was done by using a psychological model designed by Roy F Baumeister (1986) which involves both individual and societal identity. Identity as a social construct is also investigated, and the question why identity matters in society is discussed Arguments for a structuralist semiotic approach to identity in a particular society are presented. In dealing with the overview of dominant western masculinity a number of key terms were identified and discussed. These include patriarchy, the female body and masculine control, social labelling, gender order and ‘women watching,’ the family unit, division of labour and public and private space, hegemonic masculinity and the male hero. After this overview, the study conducted an assimilation exercise into historic Afrikaner and British masculinity during the time before and after the South African War. This discussion centres on a number of points dealing with both societies, namely the model male, male military tradition, masculine rebels/outcasts and other masculine issues, and male relations with women. The final part of this study involves the analysis of the masculine theory, generated in the previous chapter, on the Arende text. This was done by selecting six characters from each of the two societies in season one and describing how they represent themselves in a masculine manner (or not).