Don't Sneak

The dichotomies of different forms of masculinity are apparent in this sweet Story Corps animated short.

If anyone is unfamiliar with Story Corps, it is an organization partnered with NPR that aims to preserve America's stories. In this short, The Saint of Dry Creek, Patrick Haggerty talks with his daughter about how Haggerty slowly came to terms with his homosexuality and how his father aided in the process.

Patrick and his father appear to occupy different forms of masculinity but they are not what they seem. Charles, Haggerty's father, is a farmer, the quintessential man. Strong and hardworking, but as the short demonstrates, emotionally attentive to his son and his understanding for his son's sexual orientation. Patrick makes reference to his attempts to "be as much of a man as he could be" by throwing his weight and chucking hay bales, relying on physicality to define his masculinity. Charles instead, insists, "Don't sneak" because "it will ruin your eternal soul".  Essentially, be confident in who you are.

Emotional wisdom dropped from a dairy farmer. Love it.