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…Thus, this demonstrates that sexuality is converse to masculinity, and thus asexuality remains a continuity to the male superhero identity. When addressed with this notion, the focus group came to the conclusion that abstinence from sexual activity should be upheld for practicality and in order for the male superhero to retain personal power – however sexuality could be present in the superhero identity17. When asked if marriage would emasculate18 the male superhero, all seven participants agreed. This again shows the strong association that consumers had with male “activity,” which participants saw as restricted by the female gender and connective dormancy via sexual intercourse and a relationship.
Male + Male:
Although all participants denied homosexuality as emasculating the superhero identity, some consumers within the cohort illustrated implicit acceptance of heterosexuality as normative masculinity. One male participant illustrated how female attention19 empowered the superhero - “the Human Torch gets his flame because of the ladies’ lust for him” (Scott). Female participants demonstrated rejection of homosexuality - one partaker thought male superheroes should be “sexy” to “appeal to a whole range of audiences,” and identified that being attractive added to superhero power and status. However she later denied knowledge of any homosexual superheroes20, thus tacitly denying superhero “sexual power” to extend to males in his micro-world, or in the consumer macro-world.
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