Well said. For too long the role of the man/dad has been trivialized on TV and movies and then they complain about the lack men being men when it comes to parenthood. Well, you taught us to be submissive so you get what you ask for 🤦♂️
John Eldridge wrote a wonderful book on this subject called Wild at Heart. Of course in today’s world it I have heard it described as ‘toxic masculinity’.
I was changing channels last night and came across an old episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond." What a picture of "the man of the house" that show brought us!
I believe much of the appeal of these shows is that they don't push an agenda. it does show that masculinity includes both strength and wisdom, tradition and adaptability. When Tim Taylor or Mike Baxter learned something new, they weren't being subverted - they were modeling what healthy manhood looks like in real families.
And let's not forget Wilson - the neighbor who showed us something we desperately need today: the value of regular, over-the-fence conversations where wisdom is shared through friendship rather than force. Those moments of neighborly connection weren't just plot devices - they modeled how men can support each other's growth through genuine relationship.
I guess I have never looked at sitcoms as a model for how I am supposed to be as a man. Gender roles are clearly defined in the Bible, yet everything we do must be out of love. Some of the “manly men” I know rule with an iron fist and their family fears them but does not respect them.
I completely agree, Steve. When we look to TV for our models of manhood, it's like trying to navigate by a fun-house mirror - everything's distorted. The Bible gives us the examples: Joseph, who had the strength to forgive his brothers but also the tenderness to weep with them. David, who could face giants but also wrote songs that still touch hearts today.
My hope is that I provide a home where respect grows naturally, like a garden, rather than being demanded like a tax.
There are many types of masculine role models in television and movies. The one that you dislike or like the most says more about you than the media. Playing the goof or the fool who always gets his comeuppance is just one that has a long history, and one that Tim plays very well. He actually is spoofing over-the-top masculinity that won't allow others to lead. If you want to be known as a "funny guy," its a great gig. As others have said here, when looking to movies, tv, or even podcast personalities for a model of your masculinity you will always be disappointed.
Thanks for this. Yes, if husbands, fathers are not in fact leading, does it matter so much how ritual machismo they show, how hard they work in the areas assigned to them by the wife or society?
Well said. For too long the role of the man/dad has been trivialized on TV and movies and then they complain about the lack men being men when it comes to parenthood. Well, you taught us to be submissive so you get what you ask for 🤦♂️
John Eldridge wrote a wonderful book on this subject called Wild at Heart. Of course in today’s world it I have heard it described as ‘toxic masculinity’.
I was changing channels last night and came across an old episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond." What a picture of "the man of the house" that show brought us!
It is crazy to think how many decades of weak men the television has spoon fed our people
I believe much of the appeal of these shows is that they don't push an agenda. it does show that masculinity includes both strength and wisdom, tradition and adaptability. When Tim Taylor or Mike Baxter learned something new, they weren't being subverted - they were modeling what healthy manhood looks like in real families.
And let's not forget Wilson - the neighbor who showed us something we desperately need today: the value of regular, over-the-fence conversations where wisdom is shared through friendship rather than force. Those moments of neighborly connection weren't just plot devices - they modeled how men can support each other's growth through genuine relationship.
I guess I have never looked at sitcoms as a model for how I am supposed to be as a man. Gender roles are clearly defined in the Bible, yet everything we do must be out of love. Some of the “manly men” I know rule with an iron fist and their family fears them but does not respect them.
I completely agree, Steve. When we look to TV for our models of manhood, it's like trying to navigate by a fun-house mirror - everything's distorted. The Bible gives us the examples: Joseph, who had the strength to forgive his brothers but also the tenderness to weep with them. David, who could face giants but also wrote songs that still touch hearts today.
My hope is that I provide a home where respect grows naturally, like a garden, rather than being demanded like a tax.
There are many types of masculine role models in television and movies. The one that you dislike or like the most says more about you than the media. Playing the goof or the fool who always gets his comeuppance is just one that has a long history, and one that Tim plays very well. He actually is spoofing over-the-top masculinity that won't allow others to lead. If you want to be known as a "funny guy," its a great gig. As others have said here, when looking to movies, tv, or even podcast personalities for a model of your masculinity you will always be disappointed.
It’s just as bad—worse, maybe—when it comes to how men and dads are depicted in tv commercials. Infuriating.
Good assessment, Jack. Thanks.
Thanks for this. Yes, if husbands, fathers are not in fact leading, does it matter so much how ritual machismo they show, how hard they work in the areas assigned to them by the wife or society?