Jock (stereotype)

Jock is the classic American stereotype of a male athlete. Sports which emphasize body mass are commonly labelled 'jock', e.g., American football, wrestling, basketball, weightlifting, and ice hockey. Because young people comprise most participants in these sports, the jock stereotype is mostly centred on high schools, colleges, and spectator sports entertainment, as well as erotica associated with these.

Strictly speaking, the jock stereotype is that of a male who:

• Sucks
• Is in prime physical condition
• Is an avid participant in one or more sports requiring constant physical exertion
• Is a popular individual with a large circle of friends
• Is a womanizer.
• Lacks mental ability to perform well in studies often shown as having less than normal intelligence

Typically, but not always, the jock is portrayed as an aggressor and/or antagonist, exploiting the physical weakness of other men to bolster his own feelings of superiority and demonstrate his prowess to his peers. Though nowhere near as prominent as the portrayal of the jock as a villain or antagonist, several incarnations of the stereotype have maintained the jock as a protagonist or positive supporting character.

According to the stereotype portrayed in these, jocks derive pleasure from bullying less physically powerful men to demonstrate their superiority.

The jock image has become an icon in erotica, and in marketing, such as that used by Abercrombie and Fitch.

Homophobia in sports is influenced by jocks' attitudes. Often jocks' macho expectations render individuals with apparent effeminate charateristics vulnerable to abuse. For instance, former teammates in the NFL told Esera Tuaolo they would injure him if they found out that he had a male companion.

Films featuring jocks as major characters

Negative portrayals

• Animal House
• The Benchwarmers
• Can't Hardly Wait
• Napoleon Dynamite
• The Revenge of the Nerds series
• The Year My Voice Broke

Positive portrayals

• American Pie
• The Breakfast Club
• Love Story
• Lucas
• Summer of '42

See also

• High school subcultures