New male role model an improvement?

NineShift is suggesting that a new male role model is evolving in the 21st century.

For the last 20 years, the most recognized male in society has been Homer Simpson, the stupid, tasteless, clueless man incapable of simple achievements.

Now we're thinking this is changing.  The new male role model is not perfect, not as perfect as the male role model of the 2020's will be.   But better. A lot better than Homer.

The new male role model is socially awkward, even inept. And he has few talents or skills.
BUT he has at least one outstanding incredible talent. It's his redeeming 21st century quality.
It is some variation of geekdom.

100 years ago, the male role model began to shift at this point in the new century. In 1900, males were weak, passive and dependent on the strong, assertive female (the Gibson Girl). By 1920 both male and female role models were positive. Think Rudolf Valentino, Ernest Hemingway. Think Clara Bow- the IT Girl, etc.

We see the new male role model on television.  After three years of Monk winning awards, a younger Gen Y role model is emerging.  It is Psych and his sidekick Gus.  What do you think?

Comments

[Leanne]

Maybe not "role model" as much as a validation for "geeks" to be seen as "cool". A welcome change from the myth that unless your son plays sports he's somehow lacking.

I still think we need REAL role models for our boys. While The Simpsons and According to Jim have allowed me to point out to my son what NOT to do (while affirming that there is no such thing as a "perfect" man/father), what I'd love to see develop from these new shows are other strong male roles that compliment the leading "geeks".

Better yet, instead of turning on the television to try and find a role model for my son to emulate, why don't we start opening our LIVES to boys so they can actually walk WITH good, strong, loving men, geek or not?

[Suzanne]

When I think about images of men on television, I think that the Boomer men take a much greater hit than the X and Y men.

It could be just me (Xer woman who prefers smart guys to dumb ones), but most of the shows I watch have very strong male characters:

1. Law & Order - the Xer cops and attorneys have taken over and are catching the bad guys.

2. Litte Mosque on the Prairie - this show is on the CBC. An Xer Imam is helping the people of a small town. (It's really funny, if you haven't seen it before).

3. Lost - two Xer guys are trying to save their friends.

4. What Not To Wear - an Xer guy and gal help you redo your wardrobe.

5. A whole lot of cooking and home shows where both Xer men and women show you how to cook and fix up your house.

It's not cool that the Boomer men have been portrayed as clueless - but a think Xer men are rectifying the situation. Just as I think Xer women have been the first generation of females that have grown up as equals to men - Xer men have grown up being equals to women (and that is reflected on how they are portrayed on TV).

[Smander]

I dont think that a "geeky" role model is a good thing. You say that ‘the new male role model is socially awkward, even inept. And he has few talents or skills. BUT he has at least one outstanding incredible talent...some variation of geekdom'. I would like to know how geekdom could possibility be a good thing and why we are so quick to devalue important qualities like strength, a sense of self and responsibility, chivalry, honesty and the ability to take control in the bedroom? To see my full comment go to http://susiemander.wordpress.com

[Male Models]

New male role model = Psych? Cool... though I still think House is cooler!

[Links of London Watches]

thanks for your article,like your blog very much,well done

[Ryan]

I, a male, miss the roll models for men like John Wayne. I think that the John Wayne figure has gone down the toilet once he passed on, but, from what I can tell, he was the figure of the tough, hard-working man who didn't care what people thought of him-- 'cause he'd shoot 'em. I also like John Wayne because he didn't care to be politically incorrect, in real life. For example, Wayne was once on a T.V. show being interviewed. He told the story of when he was listening to the soundtrack from Sands of Iwo Jima. He said his Japanese gardener kept coming in and surrendering. John Wayne said he finally had to shoot him. The two things that I don't like about John Wayne, though, is his drinking and his occasional foul mouth. Aside from these, I wish that we could see more John Waynes in the media.