Men in today's society who suffer from erectile dysfunction (and even some who do not) resort to a high-risk medicine to enhance their sexual performance in order to feel masculine. This inability to perform sexually leads to a multitude of other problems, including sexual anxiety and self-esteem issues, and leave these men feeling unworthy of their manhood. While it is understandable for the human body to desire the ability to find sexual pleasure, it is completely ridiculous to think that men who do not have any form of erectile dysfunction use Viagra to increase sexual stimulation. Sexual enhancement advertisements create a false idea of manhood. The media portrays men as sexual machines, which creates an unrealistic image of what constitutes as "manly." Viagra is seen as a tool to fix what is considered a "broken machine" or even jump start and enhance a natural man, which society has led men to believe is not good enough. Men today should not define their masculinity through sexual performance, but instead should define their manhood by virtue.
The risks of Viagra range widely in symptoms and severity. The Viagra website claims the most common side effects are mild and include headaches, upset stomach, and facial flushing. However, when one consults the fine print, Viagra reveals much more serious possibilities. Many men have reported loss of vision and hearing, some even suffer from complete blindness and deafness. Other serious risks include hypertension, heart attack, and an increased chance for gay men to become infected with HIV. In 2000, there were 522 Viagra related deaths recorded. Why are men today so willing to use such a dangerous drug only to increase sexual pleasure? The media tells men in American media claims it is necessary to remain a man. To a man, risking his health and even his life is better than sacrificing his manhood entirely.
In advertisements for Viagra, men are portrayed as broken machines. Just like any other mechanical device, these men are in need of a special repair in order to be considered fully-fuctioning or even worthy, after all what good is a broken machine? Luckily, these men can turn to a special product for a quick, effective solution: Viagra. In this advertisement, Bob not only gains the ability to have an erection he gains "a big boost of confidence, a little more self-esteem, and a very happy Mrs. at home." The media promises men that they can regain their manhood through enhanced sexual performance/ability by using this product.
Many people assume that Viagra users are elderly, weak men, but thats is not necessarily true. Not all men who use Viagra even have an erectile dysfunction. Because of society's high expectations for a man's sexual performance and desire, many average men have resorted to taking Viagra. In Men's Lives, Meiko Loe describes this phenomenon as "Viagra exposes the flawed "natural" body and enables a man to achieve mythic masculinity." (285). Stimulants and enhancements like Viagra supposedly increase a man's ability to physically please a woman, which in turn makes him more of a man. Viagra can be seen not only as a tool for those who have some sort of physical disorder, but those who are looking enhance their masculinity through an improved sexual performance. Viagra is about more than repairing the machinery of a "broken male," it also contributes to repairing and improving the confidence of all men.
A man's worth is determined in society by his size, strength, and control. Typically, men with an erectile dysfunction feel insecure because they lack these attributes. The media tells these men that their inability to perform sexually makes them weak and powerless, and essentially less of a man. The men are portrayed as "broken," as if they are some kind of inanimate object in need of a quick repair or other wise will be useless and disposed of. Society tells these men that the solution to all their problems (including regaining their claim to manhood) can be found in a tiny blue pill, Viagra. Despite all the positive media coverage, Viagra is an imperfect solution and poses many risks. These risks lead the consumer to ask the inevitable question, "Is it really worth it?"
