Benedict Cumberbatch says 'men need fixing'

[ErrolTheDragon]

In the Times today

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/society-needs-to-address-toxic-masculinity-benedict-cumberbatch-says-fz2vvqhgl?shareToken=87738e3f9768b2b2d595bafdf7e31559

[DinoDinner]

Man saying men must fix their behaviour told he needs to fix his manliness. Bit of an insight into the many ways this issue causes damage.

This!!!!

And what the fuck is a manly anyway!

I've served in the armed forces with hundreds and hundreds of men and I'm sure they'd love to know what manly means!

As it would mean something completely different to each of them!

Manly man! Fucking hilarious!!

[EightWheelGirl]

Well, I’m not sure I can imagine BC in the army tbh.

[Lifewith]

What the heck has being in the army got to do with being a man?
You reek of toxic masculinity

[Lifewith]

If a woman is in the army, does this mean she is less 'feminine ', how does this thought process work exactly?

[Lifewith]

@kanaloa Ah ok, it does seem quite goady. I won't play, too many posters like that at the moment

[EightWheelGirl]

If a woman is in the army, does this mean she is less 'feminine’.

Well, I’d probably say yes if we’re talking the conventional meaning of feminine.

[EightWheelGirl]

Kanaloa. 🤣

[Galvantula]

@EightWheelGirl

If a woman is in the army, does this mean she is less 'feminine’.

Well, I’d probably say yes if we’re talking the conventional meaning of feminine.

🤦

[powershowerforanhour]

I don't really want men to be like him though. He is a bit of a wet lettuce tbh.

He doesn’t owe you manly sexiness you know.

Good on him for this.

Yep. I thought "right, whatever" when he wore the "This is what a feminist looks like" T shirt that every man and his dog was wearing for about 5 minutes (including such feminist leading lights as Joss Whedon for example). But fair dues to him to talk about it now that it isn't the latest cool thing any more.

I thought he was quite credible acting the part of an army officer leading a cavalry charge in War Horse by the way.

[EightWheelGirl]

I still think its arrogant for him to speak on behalf of all men. Imagine if a self ID supporting liberal feminist took it upon herself to say radical feminism needs fixing. Plenty on here would be up in arms.

[RainLol]

Well it made men angy, so that’s good.
Means Ben is right.

[EightWheelGirl]

I’m not sure I agree with something being right just because it makes people angry. Otherwise the Girl Guides would be right in appointing that nutter they’ve just appointed, which I don’t believe for a second was a logical choice.

[thinkingaboutLangCleg]

I like any man speaking up for women.

[EightWheelGirl]

So your issue is that he spoke on behalf of all men? Because your previous opinion was that he’s a ‘wet lettuce’ and not manly enough.

I’ve generally not got much time for people that tell others to “shut up and listen” - his exact words.

The problem with the concept of ‘toxic’ masculinity is that’s it’s often no more than an assault on masculinity full stop. Often railing against things like competitiveness and other things which tend to be traits more common in men. The solution is to tackle bad behaviour (violence, misogyny, etc) not to tell people which personality traits they’re allowed to have.

And it’s always wimpy men who seem to be trying to police the behaviour of traditionally masculine men. It reeks of insecurity to me.

[EightWheelGirl]

I've basically got no time for identity politics and the woke brigade. It always seems to be thought policing dressed up as inclusiveness/acceptance.

[SleepingStandingUp]

And it’s always wimpy men who seem to be trying to police the behaviour of traditionally masculine men. It reeks of insecurity to me. you've still not explained why he's a wet lettuce wimpy man though, other than he thinks toxic masculinity is harmful. And who would be your perfect example of a manly man who's a dry cabbage?

[Toomanyradishes]

A. Benedict cumberbatch is a very sexy man, despite the fact I normally like a more muscled man (vin diesel be still my beating heart) its something about his voice I think

B. He has spoken up repeatedly about equal pay for female actress, has a production company deliberately filming women centred roles etc so this is hardly the first time he ha put himself out there

C. Of course less 'traditionally manly' men are more likely to speak out about toxic masculinity, thats because its easier for them to see the negatives than it is for someone who may percieve to see themselves being benefited by toxic masculinity. That doesnt make them wrong...

[EightWheelGirl]

Can you imagine the reaction if say Conor MacGregor came out and said that wimpy men 'needed fixing' and they should all be forced to attend a few boxing classes. 😂