So much of how we view men is influenced by how men are portrayed in television and movies. The problem with this is that these men aren’t real and despite how hard the creative minds in Hollywood may try, these men can’t truly depict the complexity and nuance of a real person, and likely say more about the personal views of the people behind the scenes than anything else. Throughout various forms of media there seem to be some very well used character types that don’t truly reflect men but have a disproportionate influence on how men are viewed by society.

1. The lovable oaf. Think Homer Simpson or similar characters. It’s s common character and one of the most positive portrayals you’ll see. These characters normally have good intentions but aren’t very smart and are often quite lazy. The problem with this portrayal is obvious in that it sets a low standard for men where as long as their heart is in the right place they don’t need to actually accomplish much.
2. The arrogant jerk. Think early Will Wheaton on Big Bang Theory. This character thinks they’re better than others, is often closed off emotionally and mistreats those around them. The problem with this portrayal is obvious in it shows the character as being a jerk without digging into any of the emotional issues that have led to that point.
3. The arrogant hero. Think Tony Stark/ Iron Man. This character is similar to the arrogant jerk except that he helps others even though they talk like they’re better than others and rarely show their emotions. The problem with this portrayal is you see a man unable to deal with his own feelings and uses snide remarks and witty one-liners to keep others at an arms length
4. The womanizer. Think Barney Stimson from How I Met Your Mother. This character is normally cool and charismatic and outwardly confident but mistreats those around him especially women. The problem with this portrayal is obviously how it portrays women as objects, and it still often portrays the character as being cool enough men still want to be like him.
5. The timid husband. The majority of modern sitcom married men fit this role (if you want a more specific example of an extreme think Alan in Two and a Half Men). This man lives in fear of his wife/ girlfriend/ ex-wife and avoids doing anything that could possibly upset the domineering woman in their lives. This is problematic both in How it portrays the man and the woman and how it normalizes toxic and unhealthy relationships.
6. The open misogynist. Think any male character on The Handmaid’s Take. This character is becoming less common and is almost exclusively used in a villain role. This character makes no secret about feeling women are lesser than men, and often is racist to boot. What is more problematic is the more subtle misogyny (often played up for humor) that seems to be more acceptable or funny to replicate.
7. The action hero. Think James Bond. This character has no time for any relationship beyond casual sex with the nearest attractive woman, and certainly has no time for self-reflection or emotional growth since there is a world to save. This is problematic both in how he treats women but also in how one dimensional he is emotionally and continues the false narrative that strong men can’t share their feelings.
8. The man-child. Think Buster Bluth on Arrested Development. This character still acts like a child even though they’re in a grown man’s body. The most extreme of these characters still live with their parents and can’t function in normal society without their help. This is problematic in how it sets the bar for men at an all time low and normalizes incredibly self-destructive behavior.

It becomes clear with all these common character types used in television and movies that there is very little room for positive, honest portrayals of men. I am not suggesting that we portray every (or any) man as being perfect, or even that there is no place for any of these character types but that there needs to be some inclusion of honest portrayals of men being successful, intelligent, caring, emotionally open, faithful, and honest, but still flawed. It is also important that we as men recognize that these are characters and not standards to live up to, or down to. For women it is important to recognize these are not the standards to judge men by and recognize how these portrayals can be triggering when seeing similar behaviors in the men in your life. The most important take away from this if you’re not a Hollywood producer is recognizing the influence television and movies have on how we view the world around us and recognize that it is not reality. We can’t allow that to influence how we view ourselves or others or the standard we try to reach. Every man is capable of being so much more than any of the broad stereotypes we see and is far more complex and developed than could ever be depicted on screen.