In recent years, the concept of masculinity in pop culture has undergone a profound transformation, shifting away from traditional stereotypes towards a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of it. At the forefront of this movement is the idea of “gentle masculinity,” which makes us relook at masculinity as a spectrum rather than a rigid set of traits or aesthetics. In this article, we will explore the evolution of gentle masculinity through the lens of international pop culture. From English popstars and queer boys in coming-of-age shows to the depiction of masculinity in Korean pop culture, particularly K-pop and K-dramas, the widening representation has embraced and amplified this concept.
Gentle masculinity challenges the notion that strength and dominance are the sole defining characteristics of manhood. Instead, it celebrates qualities such as empathy, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence. One notable advocate of gentle masculinity in the Western context is Harry Styles. The former One Direction heartthrob has become a symbol of gender fluidity and self-expression, effortlessly blurring the lines between typically masculine and feminine aesthetics. Styles’ penchant for wearing flamboyant outfits, embracing nail art, and challenging traditional gender norms has inspired a generation to embrace their authentic selves without fear of judgment. Of course, many other queer men in the West have done this before him like David Bowie, but something about Harry Styles brought it into the mainstream, for all to see and admire.
Also read: Queer Imaginations of Masculinity in Popular Media in 2021
In Asia, the style and music of Korean boy band BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) represents a beacon of gentle masculinity within the global phenomenon of K-pop. This seven-member band has captivated audiences worldwide with their infectious music, captivating performances, and empowering messages. BTS is not just a musical group; they are cultural icons who advocate for self-love, acceptance, and social justice. Their lyrics often touch upon themes of mental health, identity, and the pressures of societal expectations, resonating deeply with their predominantly young fanbase. They embody gentle masculinity in their work by not being afraid to show their vulnerable side, openly discussing their struggles with anxiety, self-doubt, and the relentless demands of fame. Yet, they also exude confidence and strength, standing up for what they believe in and using their platform to effect positive change in the world. Whether it’s through their music, philanthropy, or social media presence, BTS challenges conventional notions of masculinity, and we love them for it!
Korean dramas, or K-dramas, offer another avenue through which gentle masculinity is portrayed and celebrated. Unlike traditional portrayals of stoic, macho heroes, K-dramas often feature male leads who are sensitive, caring, and in touch with their emotions. These characters prioritize communication, mutual respect, and partnership in their relationships, subverting the toxic masculine ideals that pervades many narratives in mainstream media. Shows like Crash Landing on You, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, and Goblin showcase male characters who defy stereotypes and embody a more progressive vision of masculinity.
Today, gentle masculinity represents a paradigm shift in how society views and values masculinity. By embracing qualities traditionally written off as feminine-only, such as empathy and vulnerability, performers like Harry Styles and groups like BTS are challenging outdated gender norms and paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate future. Through their influence in pop culture, they are inspiring a generation to redefine masculinity on their own terms, encouraging authenticity, acceptance, and self-love.
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Redefining Masculinity: The Emergence of Gentle Masculinity in Hindi Film and Pop Culture
In the words of Rohit Dasgupta, the co-editor of Popular Masculine Cultures in India: Critical Essays, “Masculinity in Bollywood has seen a sea change from the sensitivity of Dev Anand; we are now confronted with the hypermasculinity of John Abraham, Salman Khan and others.”
In the vast tapestry of Hindi films, masculinity has long been depicted through the lens of traditional stereotypes, emphasizing physical strength, stoicism, and dominance. However, a quiet revolution is underway, reshaping the portrayal of masculinity in Hindi film and pop culture. This evolution is marked by the rise of “gentle masculinity,” a concept that celebrates sensitivity, empathy, and emotional intelligence in men (and well, everybody who embodies masculinity, really, since it is a trait not limited to a single gender!).
Hindi cinema, often seen as a mirror of social norms and values, has started to challenge conventional notions of masculinity with films like “Dear Zindagi,” directed by Gauri Shinde, and “Kapoor & Sons,” directed by Shakun Batra. These movies have introduced audiences to male characters who embody a more gentler form of masculinity. These characters are not afraid to express vulnerability, engage in meaningful conversations about emotions, and prioritize authentic connections over societal expectations of machismo.
For me, one of the first places I saw gentle masculinity in Indian cinema was in the works of Ayushmann Khurrana. Through films like “Vicky Donor,” “Badhaai Ho,” and “Andhadhun,” Khurrana has consistently portrayed characters who defy stereotypes and embrace vulnerability with grace. His nuanced performances have resonated with audiences, challenging them to rethink their perceptions of masculinity.
Pop culture too plays a significant role in reshaping the narrative surrounding masculinity in India. Musicians like Prateek Kuhad, with his soulful ballads, and actors like Milind Soman, with his unconventional roles, are emerging as symbols of gentle masculinity. Through their artistry, they encourage men to embrace their emotions, break free from the constraints of traditional masculinity, and celebrate their authentic selves.
The emergence of gentle masculinity in Hindi film and pop culture signifies a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity, empathy, and self-awareness. It reflects an acknowledgment of the complexities of human emotion and the recognition that true strength lies in vulnerability and compassion. As these narratives continue to gain prominence, they pave the way for a more progressive and egalitarian society, where individuals of all genders are free to express themselves without fear of judgment or stigma.
Also read: What it Means to be a Man Today
In one way, the portrayal of gentle masculinity in Indian film and pop culture represents a crucial step towards breaking down rigid gender norms and fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society. By challenging stereotypes and embracing vulnerability, artists and storytellers are reshaping the narrative surrounding masculinity, inspiring a generation of men to redefine what it means to be strong, sensitive, and truly human.
The Overlooked Virtue: Queer Men and Gentle Masculinity
In the ever-evolving landscape of gender expression, queer men have emerged as pioneers in redefining masculinity. Embracing qualities long dismissed as “unmanly” or “weak,” they champion new ways of being men in society. Yet, despite their strides towards a more enlightened masculinity, queer men often find themselves sidelined in conversations about positive masculine representation.
Through this piece itself you can see that the conversation around gentle masculinity in both Western and Indian pop culture is dominated by non-queer men. Billy Porter, a queer black man, in his interview with Variety magazine talked about how queer men, especially queer men of color are overlooked in the part they play in molding the socio-culture conversations around gentle masculinity.
Also read: Short Shorts and Queering Masculinity
Another aspect of this is the profitability that comes to these non-queer men by embracing gentle masculinity. This is especially seen in K-pop. The Korean entertainment industry thrives on fan engagement and alot of male pop groups, to appease a predominantly female fanbase, engage in what is called ‘skinship’. Even with BTS we see them play into these fan expectations of bromances. All this while openly gay k-pop idols get assaulted in the streets of Seoul.
A nuanced look at gentle masculinity within the queer community to explore the disparities in its recognition when compared to their cis-hetero counterparts is needed.
Queer men, liberated from the chokehold of heteronormative expectations, have embraced many gentle qualities as integral aspects of their identities. However, despite their efforts to embody a more compassionate form of masculinity, queer men often encounter a glaring absence of praise and acknowledgment. While society may laud heterosexual men for displaying acts of kindness or emotional vulnerability as deviations from the norm, similar behaviors from queer men are often met with indifference or even disdain.
This discrepancy in recognition is exacerbated by the lack of representation in media and popular culture. Mainstream narratives predominantly feature heterosexual individuals as the face of positive masculinity, relegating queer men to the sidelines or reducing them to one-dimensional stereotypes. Rarely are they portrayed as nuanced, multifaceted individuals capable of embodying gentle masculinity in its truest form.
Also read: Bollywood’s Gay Men: Predators or Best Friends?
Moreover, societal attitudes towards masculinity remain deeply entrenched in heteronormative ideals, perpetuating the myth that only heterosexual men can exhibit virtuous masculine traits. This narrow perspective not only erases the experiences of queer men but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces the marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The stories of queer men deserve to be told and heard, their contributions must be celebrated, and their presence is to be acknowledged in discussions surrounding positive masculine representation. By challenging preconceived notions of masculinity and advocating for inclusivity, we can pave the way towards a more equitable and affirming society for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
In conclusion, the practice of gentle masculinity among queer men is a testament to their resilience, courage, and commitment to authenticity. While they may not receive the same level of praise and recognition as their cis-heteronormative counterparts, their contributions to redefining masculinity are invaluable and deserving of appreciation. It is time to recognize and celebrate the gentle masculinity within the queer community, acknowledging its transformative potential in shaping a more compassionate and inclusive world.
