Expanded constructions of masculinity in these spaces can lead men “naturally, to uncertainty and even anxiety, but eventually to a greater level of self-awareness and personal freedom.” (78)
I think this quote hits it dead on when it refers to the creation of an avatar, especially a male one, in Second Life. For my experience, I created a male avatar, and I wanted one that shared some similar traits with my own self. While being limited in the beginning, down the road we were able to customize our avatar to better suit our interests. But I think I was worried when the process was complete because despite my customization, I really did not like the look of my avatar, in the same way that somebody might be unhappy with the way their own physical body looked. Anxiety was definetly there, because if I wanted to interact with the world, I would have thought that my avatar would have to be appealing to others in order to interact with it. But as I interacted more in the world, I realized that those things were not important. People did not care about those things in the virtual world of Second Life, as opposed to the real world. It certainly lifted a weight off my shoulders, and in a way, masculinity as defined above could be described as seeing what is right with your own self, as opposed to what you’re lacking-whether it be your real self or your virtual avatar.
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I like your comment about how your avatar looks doesn’t matter as much as how you look in real life–I never thought of that before. Maybe because all looks in Second Life are possible? Or, because those who are there are naturally more forgiving at those things? I wonder…
I can totally agree that our own insecurities still come out in our search to define our gender. I think that it is only when we have fully grappled with these insecurities in a world where 90% of the users seem fully customized perfect. Once you realize it is ok to not be, you are free to appreciate the you that isn’t everything the world demands of it.