Mimesis and Stepford Theology
“Real Men” vs. Jesus? an examination in 3 acts.
Act 1. Gender construction via beef jerky.
Act 2. Metaphor therapy and confusing gender roles with “issues of agentic psychology”.
Act 3. This last one will cost you an hour and a half, but it’s worth it. Granted, at a few points I find myself rolling my eyes, as if there isn’t already a “new” standard bearer for what healthy ‘real manhood’ looks like. (His name is Jesus, do you know him? (HT: hp :->) Strength of character first, all the rest is just window dressing. My favorite part begins at 10:15, he shows examples of the hiddenness of dominant power structures. Second favorite section begins around 15:00-20:08, cultural representations of gendered bodies and guns.
Is masculinity something that can only be constructed over and against the feminine? Where does the idea of mutual exclusivity come from? Jesus embodied both male and female characteristics.
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matt 23:37 NRSVS)
“As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!” (Luke 19:41-42 NRSVS)
