Caught in a trap? Beyond pop theory's ‘butch’ construction of male Elvis fans

Abstract

Common knowledge has it that Elvis Presley stood for sexual liberation – because his gyrations caused the first controversy, he liberated Western culture from the curse of sexual repression. Beyond the female fans that play a role in that image, Elvis has a vast number of male followers. With more than 20,000 members, the Official Elvis Presley Fan Club of Great Britain (OEPFC) is the largest fan club in the world. According to the president, half the members are male (Slaughter 1996, p. 1). This means that thousands of male fans are dedicated enough to stay in one organisation. Over 400 smaller clubs remain active, so Elvis still has thousands of male devotees. What can be said about how these fans relate to their idol? More fundamentally, what are the most suitable research methods, ideas and approaches to use when answering that question?

The Elvis We Deserve: The Social Regulation of Sex/ Gender and Sexuality Through Cultural Representations of ‘The King’

“…125 Simon Frith in his work rejected the idea that any performer could have one unambiguous meaning, because individuals are always recognizing themselves as "gendered subjects" prior to listening/watching. 126 In that sense, the reception of any image, including Elvis, cannot be "read off the surface of the text." 127 Talking about his relationship with fame at a press conference in 1972, Elvis said: "The image is one thing and the human being is another, it's very hard to live up to an image."…”

“…Elvis is arguably not the most macho, butch role model of masculinity, since the image of Elvis is also open to be read as feminine -pretty, delicate, shy and vulnerable -all traditionally characteristics associated with women. 73 Garber also claims that like women, Elvis is merchandized, objectified, commercialized -it is no coincidence that both Elvis and female can precede the noun, impersonator. 74 So, in impersonating Elvis, are drag kings impersonating a female impersonator?…”