Jerry Seinfeld’s Stance on Masculinity
Jerry Seinfeld has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. Recently, on the Honestly with Bari Weiss podcast, Seinfeld went into detail about his views on dominant masculinity. He admitted that although he pursued a career in comedy—something he considers a “childish pursuit”—he still values traditional masculinity.
Nostalgia for the Real Men of the Past
During the discussion, Seinfeld reminisced about icons from his youth who embodied dominant masculinity. He cited figures like John F. Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, Sean Connery, and Howard Cosell, describing them as examples of what he considered ‘real men’. I miss a dominant masculinity. Yeah, I get the ‘toxic’ thing – thank you, thank you – but still, I like a real man
, he said.
This statement alone stirs feelings of nostalgia for a time when these men were at the forefront of culture.
Kennedy and Ali: Symbols of Traditional Masculinity
Seinfeld highlighted President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural speech in 1961 as an instance of masculinity. It was freezing cold that day and yet, Kennedy opted not to wear a coat or hat, exuding resilience and determination.
The comedian also brought up Muhammad Ali, labeling him as another paragon of traditional masculine virtues. Ali was renowned not only for his achievements in boxing but also for his charismatic personality and eloquence.
Unfrosted and Competition Fueling Masculine Energy
The discussion segued into Seinfeld’s upcoming Netflix film, Unfrosted, which draws inspiration from the intense rivalry between Post and Kellogg’s cereal brands in the 1960s. This male-dominated business competition serves as another backdrop to Seinfeld’s exploration of what he finds missing in today’s society.
This machismo is evident even in his current projects. Reflecting on his cast members, Seinfeld praised Hugh Grant as an epitome of manhood for his charming demeanor and grace at social events.
Icons That Redefined What it Means to Be a Man
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