"Mr. Muscle, Mr. Hollywood: Arnold Schwarzenegger" from American Dreams: Lost and Found by Studs Terkel
Prepared by Dr. Loretta Kasper
You should use the Search Resources section of this web site to find information on the following topics:
- Western ideals of physical attractiveness
- Public persona; public image
- Characteristics of politicians, legislators
- Schwarzenegger as an athlete
- Schwarzenegger as an action hero in the movies
Use the information you find to write a well-organized essay in which you address the following questions:
- How has Arnold Schwarzenegger upheld images of physical attractiveness?
- What images has he presented to young boys/men through his athletic competitions and his movies?
- How do/can we reconcile the image of Arnold, the movie star with Arnold, the politician and governor of California?
- What challenges do people face when they attempt to change their public personae (images)?
- Can you name another person who has tried to change his/her public persona? Was this person successful? How? Why?
