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In recent film and television, we have seen a trend of white male characters going on a "dark night of the soul" journey in which they confront their own toxic masculinity. On the surface, this may seem like a positive development, as it gives us relatable male role models who are actively working to change their behavior. But before we pat ourselves on the back and give Hollywood a round of applause, let's take a closer look at this trope.
First of all, it's worth noting that these stories often center around the self-improvement narrative of the white male characters, rather than them actively working to educate and correct other men. This means that the focus is on the individual's personal journey rather than on the collective dismantling of patriarchal systems. Additionally, the characters who call them out on their behavior are often "sassy," gender-bending, mixed-race "Gen Z" side-characters who lack actual authority over the man. This can be seen as a form of tokenization, rather than true representation of marginalized voices.
But let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. The fact that these stories are being told and are gaining mainstream recognition is a step in the right direction. It's a sign that there is a growing awareness and willingness to confront toxic masculinity. And it's important to acknowledge that media, including film and television, plays a powerful role in shaping our understanding of gender and race. As feminist media studies scholar bell hooks writes, "The media is not just a reflection of reality; it is also an active agent in shaping reality."
So let's keep the conversation going, and let's continue to push for more diverse and representative storytelling that truly challenges and deconstructs harmful societal norms. And if all else fails, we can always laugh about it. After all, as the great philosopher Homer Simpson once said, "Marge, it takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen."
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