Passion is a word thrown around a lot. Turn on prime time television, The Apprentice is on, listen to the lyrics on a commercial radio station. From entrepreneurial businessmen, to Macklemore, even the person you served at work this afternoon, everyone has used the phrase in conversation. 

 As someone who admittedly finds it altogether a bit distressing starting conversation, or even continuing conversation, I question, how different it would be to greet people with what we felt most passionate about? Instead of the ‘networking’ yuppies of Wimbledon are familiar with... "Good evening, I am Colin, marketing exceutive for XYZ”. What if Colin introduced himself by telling you less about the company he works for, but about why he finds his favourite song so relatable and the nostalgia he attaches to it? What about if the lecturer teaching, who reads from his powerpoint, described the joy he felt when he first met his wife? How about the girl in your weekly seminar, who dresses differently explained why she finds the fashion industry, the use of textiles and patterns so liberating? Introduction by passion seems human, defining someone and ourselves by our salaries, our education and our appearance does not.

I’ve watched friends start sixth form groups, then go on to be leaders of their thousand strong university societies. I’ve seen family members arrive in countries with no more than a few pounds build homes for their families. I’ve known people speak up and step out of their comfort zones in order to address what they believe morally wrong. None of which I would have acknowledged if it weren’t for understanding the passion these people felt whilst striving for their end goals. I’ve realised, recently, I am passionate about other peoples passion. There is a warmth and intensity I am intrigued by when someone talks about a subject they love. The eagerness and enthusiasm emitted is a sign of trust and kindness. When people are willing to identify to you what makes them passionate, they want you to feel the same happiness they felt, they want you to experience all they’re experiencing, share the sentiment they speak of.

So, tell me now when was the last time you asked someone what they were passionate about?

A tribute to my family who have seen my grow, my teachers who recognised my potential, my friends who have coped with my sensibility & anyone who still has to endure my initial silence and sudden warming to them over time. 

Annually there are two distinct peaks at which our motivation to change our external selves is heightened; the first commencing at the beginning of each new year and the second in the run up to summer. As it May now, it is not surprising to see the amount of body image articles escalating as the weather warms up. Whilst the conversation of female self image is somewhat exhausted*, we have barely scratched the surface regarding self representation and male culture.

Masculinity refers to the characteristics traditionally associated with men. These include strength, toughness and power. However, why are such qualities still culturally and socially reinforced? Whilst we have evolved over time, both physically and intellectually, the stigma attached to the male gender role differs very little to that expressed in the Viking Age. Men's body types (like women's) have changed over time. Man is nowhere near as muscular as he was during the viking era, and yet overtly muscular physiques are all that are exhibited by the media when targeting male audiences. An endless array of advertisements for aftershave highlight this best, one of the most famous being Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue advert. These adverts are not alone in profiting from their audiences attempts to aspire for the unobtainable. Abercrombie and Fitch's campaigns are renowned for their male models and cult 'V shaped' body, so much so that they have a male model stand at the door of their London flagship store in order to lure customers in. Whilst most of us would consider this a ploy to attract female customers, it is equally as productive for gaining male customers who aspire (either consciously or subconsciously) to meet this unrealistic concept of 'masculinity'. In fewer words, sex sells.

Whilst some advertisers, such as the retail sector are restrained and have to take a more conservative approach regarding erotic imagery, the pornography industry and culture surrounding it have free rein & blur the image of the average man. It shouldn't come as a surprise then that mens anxiety regarding body dissatisfaction is on the rise (80.7% of men have talked about their own or another man's appearance, drawing attention to weight). What is more is the stigma attached to the old age taboo subject of 'average penis size' is heightened by modern society, particularly within adult movies. Most actors average 10 inches, nowhere near the national average, it is therefore no wonder these influences can affect mens perceptions of themselves & can even become emotionally destructive. This 'bigger is better' mentality puts more pressure on men than any woman, like myself, can imagine. Men's insecurities, just like women's are seized by health and cosmetic industries for economic gain. With the media as our drug baron, the nutrition industry, male grooming industry and drug industry all profit from mans pressure of needing to conform.

There is very little evidence concerning male body image reports as less money is put into such research, however what is for certain is that male eating disorders are on the rise. When we refer to eating disorders the first things that usually springs to mind are Anorexia and Bulimia. Although these illnesses still affect men, the most common of such eating disorders is the lesser known Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD). BDD is the idea that man see's his exterior differently to how others view him. For example men may find themselves lifting weights twice a day and to everyone else appear overtly muscular, however to himself he appears thin and weak. It is true the majority of men will not have to go through the struggles faced with BDD, however, it is likely most men have experiences it's symptoms to a lesser degree. A compulsive desire to exercise, putting it before activities such as visiting family or going out with friends can be a starting point for obsessing over body image. Likewise, spending hours on end focussing on healthy eating and opting for foods that only serve the purpose of bulking up muscle also triggers alarm bells with regards to self-imagery. Whilst exercise and healthy living is great and should always be encouraged, when man crosses the line between enjoying working out and eating well and it becomes an obsessive impulse, problems arise with confidence, perception, the desire for the unobtainable and potentially dangerous eating disorders.

Whilst I am not trying to emasculate man, I believe the concept of masculinity only appeals to a false gender binary, one that should be questioned with severity. Whilst the media focusses on toughness and  defining men as brutish and strong, we as a society have to turn away from our stereotypical view of man before big industries do the same. It is a subject that is rarely talked about as men are taught from a young age to consider 'femininity' weak and 'masculine' as the dream. This concept has to change before anything else can. Instead of concentrating on masculinity as our first point of call for defining man, we should opt for admiring less physical attributes like manners, social skills, education and humility. Qualities that define man in more ways than just how he appears externally. Only then can we ditch the anachronistic concept of 'masculinity' and opt for an idea that is applicable to modern society and modern man.

References:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zoe-williams-/the-rise-and-rise-of-the-_b_3580194.html

http://extenderresource.com/the-social-stigma-of-penis-size/

*Based on my experience it is a discussion I have had endless times. This does not in any way mean I believe the female body image discussion to be a losing battle or one we have come to a conclusion on, but just one that has had extensive amounts of publicity and attention. 

Day 1

Technically day one begins the night before departure, rushing to finish my last essay of the year resulting in missing my train to Stansted Airport. If anyone has ever travelled from Standsted then they will be familar with the fact that it is in the middle of nowhere and flights are usually at stupid hours of the morning. Long story short, after lots of running, shouting, swearing, tears and unecessary pounds spent, I was on a coach to the airport, where I slept on the floor until departure time. Despite the dilemmas I had been faced with, once of the plane I had the luxury of having two free seats next to me and sprawled across them for the entire journey. 

Once at the airport, getting a train to Berlin city with little sleep and a dead phone battery became problematic. Again, if anyone has travelled to Berlin they will be familiar with the confusion the autobahn inflicts on tourists. I found a train reading 'Alexanderplatz' and figured seeing as this was the only train I was certain was heading towards the city, I should jump on. Alexanderplatz was nowhere near my hostel, but at least it was closer than the airport! 

I was in the city by 1pm so I had time prior to check in to explore what Berlin had to offer & it did not disappoint. Just a few minutes walk from Alexanderplatz I was struck by Berliner Dom, the most beautiful cathedral in Berlin. The building is an architectural masterpiece. The paintings and intricate details are surreal, with it's beauty being enhanced by the chiming of the bells. To top it all off, the enchanting building became multi-purpose, it was the landmark which I associated comfort to & began all my trips to other various destinations in Berlin from. 

After being struck by Berliner Dom, I knew from my research before arriving that I was on Museum Island. As much as I loved the idea of an Island solely for the purpose of museums, reviewers on TripAdvisor had mentioned how expensive tickets could be, therefore I was skeptical. To my surprise however, I was amazed when looking at the ticket prices... a three day student ticket was only €11! The ticket I bought was a 'museum pass', they're purple and you have hundreds of museums to choose from. While there are other passes to choose from offering similar things, like the 'Berlin pass' my roommate had, the 'museum pass' is far better solely for cultural sight seeing.

The first museum I went to was the Pergamon museum, one of the most renowned museums on the island. Known for the art and history it has to offer, the Pergamon lived up to the hype. It's main focus is on Middle eastern history, Islamic art and antiquity. Everything inside is an archaeologist's dream. Once inside the museum, with your tourist headphone guide on, you are greeted by The Ishtar Gate. The vivid colours stun and the construction is breathtaking. Again, I had done some research prior to visiting and yet no photo could ever do the gates of Babylon justice. It really is a must-see!

 Equally as amazing, was the Pergamon Altar. As I write this I think of words to explain the room... it is absolutely gigantic, a huge bright creamy white room, with friezes left, right and centre. As you walk in, you are struck by the steep stairs, which lead to another level of more ancient Olympian relics. Pictures of Gods and Goddesses everywhere, some killing each other and some holding one another, I spent well over an hour in this one room alone.

After seeing a little bit of Berlin and almost five hours in the Pergamon Museum, I checked in to my hostel (Generator Mitte), had dinner, set an alarm from 8am and crashed hard.

Day 2

After a confusing breakfast consisting of a plate of yoghurt due to no bowls being found, I was ready to check out more of the City. The plan was to check out a few more museums, where the Berlin Wall once was and Topographie of Terror. Sadly all my photos of the museums I viewed in the morning were deleted from my phone, so there isn't much I can say that will do my experience justice. Nevertheless, let me just mention the Altes Museum is worth checking out, especially if interested in Ancient Greece and Philosophy like I am!

Anyone who visits Berlin knows Checkpoint Charlie is a must. I had been here before with my parents, but as an ignorant pre-teen, times have changed a lot since then and the experience was so eyeopening. There is a brief history regarding issues after the war, the conflict regarding the erection of the wall and the aftermath of the fall. Just as I finished reading all of this (all was written on posters outside surrounding the space where the wall used to be), it began to hail. Within the space the posters had surrounded there was a make-shift museum entitled 'Black Box' with even further detail about the wall and countries involved in conflict. It was great to learn so much about a part of German history which is taught in-depth very rarely!

In addition to this, because Friedrichstraße is visited by tourists so often due to both the culture and the shopping it has to offer, there are quirky elements which make you feel like you are stepping back in time. Such as signs informing you that you 'are now entering the American sector' and actors dressed as American guards... with this being said, I couldn't not use this opportunity to take a photo!

Next I walked to Topographie Des Terrors. A museum which is situated where the Gestapo and SS headquarters were during the Nazi era. Truthfully, nothing I write will explain the feelings and emotions I felt whilst at the museum. Whilst studying National Socialism there were often things I felt strongly about, things I learnt that made me feel physically sick, but this was another level of disgust, of realising just how brutal humanity could be. Even walking up to the museum sends shivers down any moral beings spine. The thought of so many barbaric men in history walking where I was now walking,  the idea of so many barbaric and inhumane schemes being initiated here was terrifying. I would be lying if I said I didn't shed a tear, it was one of the most gut-wrenching experiences I have had, having to read what so many innocent individuals had to endure. With that being said, it was a day I will never forget and I am proud to say I have visited somewhere so eyeopening and raw.

With so much to read and to learn, I left Topographie Des Terrors at 7.30, and headed back to the hostel for dinner. Making a quick stop again at my beloved Berliner Dom and the river to dwell on my day and what I had learnt from everything I had visited during the day.

Day 3 

Today was my final day in Berlin, breakfast was brighter this morning as I managed to hunt down the bowls for my yoghurt! The plan for today was to check out Potsdamer Platz, The Reichstag, The Jewish memorial and Brandenburg Gate all before heading home!

The first place to tick off, and thankfully the nearest to where I was staying was The Reichstag. After a few years learning about the German parliament I was excited to check out where legislation was made. As expected, a building with so much history was bound to be grand and ooze patriotism, although a part of me dislikes the addition of the dome (I believe some things should not be 'modernised'), it does relate to reunification and so it's all for a good cause, and acknowledging a positive milestone in German history.

The ultimate lankdmark of Germany, Brandenburg Gate. So very little need be said. Now considered a symbol of european unity and peace there is something heartwarming about Brandenburg Gate, not to mention the happiness it brought me when I was able to photograph it in the SUN!

Built to look like cement gravestones, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe has serious emotional impact. The concrete looks ice cold and the sheer amount of 'graves', although look never-ending, do not even begin to show the extent of those murdered during the Nazi regime. Again, eyeopening, chilling yet relieving knowing Germany stress the importance of remembering and not brushing under the carpet, such a distressing time of the countries history.

A quick walk from here is Potsdamer Platz. Further segments of the Berlin Wall are positioned here, with further information regarding the Cold War, as well as a history of Potsdamer Platz and the areas surrounding up until as early as 2010! Not only is Potsdamer Platz known for these segments, but was one of busiest squares in Germany before World War Two. The area still remains busy today, with high rise city buildings and big brands like Sony and Haagen Dazs residing here. The square is also known for its brilliant bars and endless amounts of restaurants... I regret not dining here while I had the chance. That's one drawback to travelling alone I am willing to admit, no matter how hard I try to convince myself it isn't weird, there's something I really dislike about eating alone, especially in nice restaurants... however with time the confidence will come to do so & when it does I shall dine endlessly in Potsdamer Platz.

After embracing Potsdamer Platz it was time to make my way back to Alexanderplatz to catch the train to the airport and begin to come to terms with having to face reality and my commitments at home... but on the plus side I was going back with stories to tell.

Berlin is a city full of culture, art and history. With so much to see and only three days, there is no doubt I shall be returning to the city. I strongly advise anyone who has never travelled alone before, like me, to give Berlin a shot as their first destination. It embraces German living to the fullest; the people are friendly and happy but are laid-back with those who want to embrace their independence and do their own thing. It's a wonderful city, full of wonderful people with an endless amount of things to do and see to keep you entertained... Berlin I lost my independent-travel virginity to you and I don't regret a thing!