Television And Masculinities In The 21st Century

Television has always played a significant role in shaping society's perception of gender roles and expectations. In the 21st century, television continues to reflect and influence the evolving concept of masculinity. With the advent of streaming platforms and diverse storytelling, television has become a powerful medium for exploring various facets of masculinity in depth.

Gone are the days when masculinity was portrayed solely through the lens of stoicism, physical strength, and dominance. Modern television shows have embraced nuanced and diverse representations of masculinity, portraying male characters that defy traditional gender norms and stereotypes.

One prominent example is the hit series "Mad Men." Set in the 1960s, the show explores the complexities of masculinity in the advertising industry. The protagonist, Don Draper, epitomizes the traditional masculine ideal with his charm, confidence, and success. However, as the series progresses, it delves deeper into Don's vulnerabilities, insecurities, and struggles with identity. This multidimensional portrayal of masculinity challenges the simplistic notion of what it means to be a man.

Cable Guys: Television and Masculinities in the 21st Century

by Amanda D. Lotz (Kindle Edition)

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Another compelling television series that tackles masculinity in the 21st century is "Breaking Bad." The show follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine producer. Walter's journey from an ordinary family man to a criminal mastermind subverts traditional notions of masculinity. As he descends into a world of crime, Walter's actions are driven by his desire to regain power and control in his life. This exploration of toxic masculinity sheds light on the pressures and expectations placed on men in contemporary society.

Streaming platforms have also played a vital role in ushering in a new era of representation on television. Shows like "Pose" and "Transparent" have given voice to transgender men, challenging traditional binary notions of gender and masculinity. These groundbreaking series provide nuanced and authentic portrayals of transgender individuals, highlighting the diverse experiences and struggles they face in a society that often marginalizes them.

Moreover, reality television shows have also contributed to the evolving conversations surrounding masculinity. Shows like "Queer Eye" and "RuPaul's Drag Race" delve into notions of self-expression, authenticity, and redefining masculinity. The hosts and contestants on these shows encourage vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and embracing individuality, breaking free from societal expectations.

Television has the power to both reflect and shape cultural perceptions. As society becomes more aware of the limitations and consequences of traditional gender roles, television has responded by offering nuanced and complex portrayals of masculinity. The 21st century has witnessed a seismic shift away from rigid stereotypes toward more inclusive and diverse representations of what it means to be a man.

In , television in the 21st century has actively engaged with the exploration and redefinition of masculinity. Through diverse narratives and multidimensional characters, television shows have challenged and shattered traditional notions of what it means to be a man. This shift has been made possible by streaming platforms that provide a broader space for storytelling, allowing for more authentic representations of masculinity. As we continue to consume television shows, we must appreciate and celebrate these progressive portrayals, as they not only entertain but also contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society.

Cable Guys: Television and Masculinities in the 21st Century

by Amanda D. Lotz (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	72229 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	903 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The emergence of "male-centered serials" such as The Shield, Rescue Me, and Sons Of Anarchy and the challenges these characters face in negotiating modern masculinities. From
the meth-dealing but devoted family man Walter White of AMC’s Breaking Bad,
to the part-time basketball coach, part-time gigolo Ray Drecker of HBO’s Hung,
depictions of male characters perplexed by societal expectations of men and
anxious about changing American masculinity have become standard across the
television landscape. Engaging with a wide variety of shows, including The
League, Dexter, and Nip/Tuck, among many others, Amanda D. Lotz
identifies the gradual incorporation of second-wave feminism into prevailing
gender norms as the catalyst for the contested masculinities on display in
contemporary cable dramas.

Examining
the emergence of “male-centered serials” such as The Shield, Rescue Me, and Sons of Anarchy and the challenges these characters face in negotiating
modern masculinities, Lotz analyzes how these shows combine feminist approaches
to fatherhood and marriage with more traditional constructions of masculine
identity that emphasize men’s role as providers. She explores the dynamics of
close male friendships both in groups, as in Entourage and Men of a
Certain Age, wherein characters test the boundaries between the homosocial
and homosexual in their relationships with each other, and in the dyadic
intimacy depicted in Boston Legal and Scrubs. Cable Guys provides a
much needed look into the under-considered subject of how constructions of masculinity
continue to evolve on television.