Women’s obsession for athletic bodied men

The 21st century surveys overwhelmingly show that women are crazy about men who look like epic stars with the strength of Hercules—men who can wrestle an entire army single handedly. The athletic body shape that comprises of broad shoulders, muscular chest, 6 pack belly and a tight bum is what many women will gape after. Janice Kanini, a 20 year-old student at Kigali Institute of science and Technology (KIST) says she wouldn’t hesitate to date a hot looking man despite his character. “It’s a personal preference; men with firm bodies always make my head turn. I always see women turn their heads when such a man passes by. Let’s not pretend about this, they are attractive and are beautiful scenery for the ladies,” Kanini said. However, radical feminists blame the media for corrupting women’s minds with the idea that men are only fit and sexy if they look like warriors. Nevertheless, it’s a fact that most women have been corrupted by the society’s beliefs of fit men. Sarah Osiemo, 24, who is happily dating, argues that African history has played a major role on how women view men. “In our ancient generations, the bigger the chest, the more respect and power a man commanded. Most women therefore find men with wide chests attractive because of this primitive thinking that has survived for long,” said Osiemo. According to Perez G a therapist, “Women dislike men with a flat and flabby ass, the man’s weight can be uncomfortable on the woman, and they believe a muscular man with little weight is better in bed.” Jane Mumu, a young woman living in Nyamirambo said that even though she feels that athletic bodied men can easily protect her when in danger than men who are overweight or underweight, she is not entirely sold out to the idea of a mugged man around her. “I like guys who have a nice body build and some muscle, but I’m not into the overly muscular men; they look unhealthy and sort of gross to think about those having those enormous arms and bulging veins around me—he could crush me to death!” Mumu said. She added: “Also, I don’t like a man with thin scrawny arms around me. I want a guy who is able to give me that ‘protected’ feeling and to a feeling of having strength around me. I guess I’m in the middle. Sorry for being so indecisive.” With all said, it is a matter of what the women prefer. Having a strong body is cool for the ladies, but what’s more important is the feeling of protection and safety that men show to the ladies. kiraboethel@yahoo.com