How could the USA become a society where bodybuilding/a high level of physical strength is socially normalised/expected? Bonus points if performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) a regular part of the family bathroom cabinet.
A rough example would be a POD of WW2 where the US concerned about the level of physical fitness in recruits contracts early bodybuilders like Charles Atlas for a series of public fitness campaigns (something like "fit for victory") which massively increase bodybuilding's public visability and popularity. This spirit carries though into the post war world with a drive to make sure the next generation is ready for war by shifting PE away from team sports and to include a strength training element. Exposed to physical fitness from a young age more people carry it on into adulthood. Images of strong bodybuilders starts sweeping into popular culture ranging from superhero comics to movies and films, creating a feedback loop that ensures that bodybuilding is soon seen as american as apple pie. It is even promoted as an ideal counter to the counterculture movement. By the 1980's the hobby is so popular there is a slow legalisation of PEDs thoughtout the decade along with a new found openness about the subject.
A rough example would be a POD of WW2 where the US concerned about the level of physical fitness in recruits contracts early bodybuilders like Charles Atlas for a series of public fitness campaigns (something like "fit for victory") which massively increase bodybuilding's public visability and popularity. This spirit carries though into the post war world with a drive to make sure the next generation is ready for war by shifting PE away from team sports and to include a strength training element. Exposed to physical fitness from a young age more people carry it on into adulthood. Images of strong bodybuilders starts sweeping into popular culture ranging from superhero comics to movies and films, creating a feedback loop that ensures that bodybuilding is soon seen as american as apple pie. It is even promoted as an ideal counter to the counterculture movement. By the 1980's the hobby is so popular there is a slow legalisation of PEDs thoughtout the decade along with a new found openness about the subject.