This week’s video is all about what it’s like to be a man in today’s world. While things aren’t as rigid as they used to be, there still exists this idea that in order to be “manly” you need to behave a certain way or avoid doing certain things.
I’m telling you…it’s all nonsense. A running theme with these DTV videos seems to be that society as a whole tends to view the world in black and white; you are either X or Y, and there’s nothing in between…and that’s bullcrap. Learning to tune out the white noise (aka society spewing stupidity at every turn because it can) is a key asset in growing as a person. It doesn’t matter what they’re saying, if you do it, and enjoy it (and it’s not hurting anyone), that’s all that matters. Naturally we’re looking for acceptance in this world, especially when we’re younger. But the older I get (I’m about to turn 32 in a few months), the less I care about what others think about my lifestyle in any regard. If I wanna blog about a teen soap opera primarily geared toward young girls, I’mma blog about it dammit!
I rarely think about my masculinity because I’ve never perceived myself as being a “manly” guy anyway. I grew up in a female-dominated household, so playing Barbie with my sisters and listening to boy bands as a kid has made totally comfortable with being a straight guy who does stuff that’s considered “girly.”
I don’t have much else to say, because I submitted a video for this episode and they used it. The key points I made can be watched below.
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Kary's Degrassi Blog 
I don’t think any of these guys know what they’re talking about.. And that is normal for their age.. Drew is right Adam was more of a man.. Eli just doesn’t know when to shut up. Eli doesn’t respect his ladies. Sorry Eli fans but damn, that was not cool. But I did enjoy Jonah and Zig making fun of themselves about masculinity.
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I love debating topics like this, because I stray so far from what people call “the norm.” I’m not sure if I’d call my self manly or not, but that’s kind of irrelevent, as I’m asexual. I lift weights, max out at 1125lbs, and do a lot of other things that would be considered “manly”, however, I also have a flair for decorating, cooking, I love animals, and I do crafts. Does any of this make me less of a man? You tell me.
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Nope..
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You lift that much? Wow. The most I’ve lifted is a stack of papers. I’m more fast than anything. I’m the type of guy that women turn gay for. Unless they want me to fix something they hate me. When I asked a girl out they
Chased me for 6 blocks. But I am nice to women. I compliment them, open doors & I “look” at their “nice things” without them knowing. But I don’t fight. If I got hit I’d be in the ICU. I almost got into a fight with a parent
In the 6th grade. I ran. Mostly because I’d be disabled if I stayed. Why be a man when you can be a guy? It’s easier.
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In all fairness, I lift that much with my legs. The most I’ve ever lifted with my upper body is roughly 400lbs, and I was only able to do that because someone had dropped a barbell on themself, but I digress. I’m still more likely to run than fight. Mostly because I have an old head injury. Also because I’m not really a believer in fighting. Taking care of what’s in front of you is what makes you a man, not getting in fights, being buff, etc.
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Too bad they didn’t use Tristan in the episode. As a very flamboyant gay male, he could have been used to offer some interesting insight into how he reconciles his gender presentation with pressure to conform to socially acceptable ideals of masculinity.
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Funny… Also you misspelled masculinity. It’s missing a C. Who cares about being a man. We all can’t have 6 packs. I’m skinny & fast. Plus I’m not putting in that much effort to get 6 packs. I like in shows where guys have to act tough & end up
Acting stupid. I’ll defend a girl but a good guy k ows how to run. I never won a fight. & gyms are too hard. I stay fit by walking fast. It’s how I avoided bullies. You look as fit as me. Come to think of it you look like me in 6 years. Your a future
Me.
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That thumbnail is amazing. also Zig and Jonah I felt were the best part of the video.
as far as personal input, I’m not sure where I fit within the whole “manliness” spectrum either. I don’t really care that much.I’m not super into sports besides MMA, Wrestling (if you count that) and occasionally football, I hate most beer, I have more female friends than male friends, I listen to pop and r&b just as much as hardcore rap and rock/metal/etc, and half my favorite shows growing up were teen dramas. You’d probably never guess it from how I look though.
and I’m definitely straight, but I think we’re past the train of thought where sexuality equates with masculinity. I’ve met gay guys who are more “manly” than I am. lol
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I love your response Kary. I couldn’t have said it better myself. I laugh at how some guys get all embarrassed about doing more feminine things. I’m like what’s the big deal? You go ahead and do you. Who am I to judge? This was a great topic they tackled. We need a segment like this where topics are discussed like in Degrassi TV in real schools. I might join to go join the A/V club this fall just to make it happen.
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You did this really well, Kary! (: Excellent clip of advice that really pushes us to think critically about gender roles.
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