Many of us know and love the sitcom Parks and Recreation. This show features quirky characters and strong women. The actor Nick Offerman, or Ron Swanson in the show, is oftentimes referred to as a “man’s man.” His character from the show tends to be the stereotypical man who can hunt and provide. He has moments of “weakness” and emotion, which he desperately tries to hide in order to maintain his mask of masculinity.
Offerman typically refutes these sorts of claims of being a “man’s man” in a very straightforward way. In response to this, he has said, “I went to theatre school. I took two semesters of ballet. I’m the sissy in my family. I cry with pretty great regularity.” Offerman retorts by saying there are aspects of his life which do not align with society’s view of masculinity, and yet because of a character on a television show, his bushy beard, and enjoyment of nature he has been dubbed a beacon of masculinity.
The resounding theme from interviews with Offerman in relation to his masculinity is that he simply leads with kindness; in an interview with GQ Australia Offerman says, “As to as to the notion of chivalry, I just think I would just change the term to politeness. Chivalry brings to mind the sort of old-fashioned paradigm that genderises acts of kindness. And it's sort of tainted, because there's a sense of 'well, women need the help of men' in their fancy dresses, and you know, men should throw their jacket on the mud puddle. Politeness is wonderful, but I just think we should drop the gender identity.” This is an interesting interview to read as it comes from a “masculine” point of view of GQ; the questions they ask and word choice indicate they are trying to be the “everyday” man who is just confused and upset about how to be a man in our evolving society.
These articles are similar to some of the commentary which can be found in the text Men Speak Out compiled by Shira Tarrant. The essays featured in that text demonstrate men who are figuring out how to define masculinity and “be a man.” This is similar to the points Offerman is speaking to in his responses to interviewers.
Buzzfeed Article:
GQ Australia Article:
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