Jock (subculture)

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For other uses, see Jock (disambiguation).

Jock is the classic American stereotype of an athlete. Sports which emphasize body mass are commonly labelled 'jock', e.g., American football, wrestling, weightlifting, and ice hockey. Because young people compose most participants in these sports, the jock stereotype is mostly centered on high schools, colleges, and spectator sports entertainment, as well as erotica associated with these.

Strictly speaking, the jock is that of a male who:

Is in prime physical condition
Is an avid participant in one or more sports requiring constant physical exertion
Is a popular individual with a larger circle of friends than non-athletes
Is a womanizer.
Lacks mental ability to perform well in studies and is often shown as having less than normal intelligence, but due to his athletic abilities is given passing grades
In the professional (and college, even in some high schools) is not severely punished for off-field indiscretions due to his fame, whereas non-athletes would most likely be punished harshly for the same offense

Typically, but not always, the jock is portrayed as an aggressor or antagonist, exploiting other men's physical weakness to gratify his sense of superiority and display his prowess to his peers. The jock is often seen bullying less powerful men for pleasure. Though not nearly as common as the villain or antagonist portrayal, several incarnations of the stereotype have maintained the jock as a protagonist or positive supporting character.

The jock image has also become an icon in erotica and in marketing, such as that used by Abercrombie and Fitch.

Homophobia in sports is influenced by jocks' attitudes. Often jocks' macho expectations render individuals with apparent effeminate characteristics vulnerable to abuse. For instance, former teammates in the NFL told Esera Tuaolo they would injure him if they found out that he had a male companion. ^{[citation needed]}