This is for the latest SR Challenge, Manliness.

I thought it was a good theme. What is manliness?

How to be a MAN nowadays?

I certainly don’t know. I found it all very confusing growing up.

I don’t buy the idea that gender is an entirely social construct, but our society certainly shapes our ideas of gender allot! Growing up, I learned that the old model of manliness was not appropriate or desirable, yet no substitute model was offered!

Perhaps, as a result, I sometimes wonder if I am more in touch with my so-called “feminine side” than my “manliness”. The “feminine” qualities in me are certainly socially encouraged. (Nurturing, compassion, gentleness, expressing emotion, empathy, social bonding, caring and creativity) while the “masculine” qualities (Independence, aggressiveness, boldness, bravery, strength, dedication, honour and ambition) seem to be more conflicted- they are often discouraged and endorsed in equal measure. Some masculine qualities, such as physical strength or honour are seen as primitive throwbacks and are usually mocked as soon as they are mentioned.

“I’m a MAN, gaze upon my muscles while I tear a bloody steak in twain!”

In fact, I was so used to downplaying my physical strength I remember a moment several years ago when I realized that it was often advantageous to be strong! It was a ridiculous epiphany! I then realized how crazy it was that I’ve been socialized to ignore my own strengths!

In anycase, like I said, I don’t buy the idea that gender is an entirely social construct, but our society certainly shapes our ideas of gender though the role models we glamorize and the stories we tell.

Enter He-Man.

How unequivocally masculine.


HE FUCKING MAN. There is absolutely nothing feminine about that name. It’s like they kicked the “Wo” out of “Woman” and put HE in there.

He-Man was one of my earliest models for manhood. I loved He-Man. I ran around with a stick stuck down the back of my shirt, and I would pull it out, shouting: “By the Power of Grey Skull!”

I then kinda forgot about He-Man, but now that I’m older I can see just how weird He-Man was. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the oeuvre of He-Man, his alter ego was a pink and pastel wearing immature sissy guy called “Prince Adam.” Now, Prince Adam was basically your standard Prince Charming, with a castle and wealth and good looks and all that. But Prince Adam would also transform into a powerhouse of buttkicking via a sword. I forget the details, but his lazy tiger “Cringer” would also transform into a manly male, and gain the manly quality of bravery. If I recall correctly, he hated this transformation and had to be forced into doing it.

Just like Puberty.

Anyway, the more I thought about He-Man, the more I thought it was a fascinating look at manliness.

So here’s my stencils, in the form of a “Throw-Up”. When the wind blows they flip between Prince Adam and He-Man.

Which one is more “Gay” ?