Some men fix things, some offer a shoulder to cry on, and others somehow know exactly what to say when life gets messy. While the internet has no shortage of stories about questionable behavior, it also has plenty of reminders that kindness, empathy, and emotional maturity are alive and well.
Recently, people online were invited to share their favorite examples of positive masculinity, and their answers highlighted men who made a lasting impression through their actions. From small, thoughtful gestures to moments of genuine courage and support, these stories show that being a good man can mean far more than fitting a traditional idea of masculinity.
#42
Peter Cullen's portrayal of Optimus Prime. Be strong enough to be gentle.
I'm still not over his passing.
I'm still not over his passing.
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4points
#43
Would Carl from Dungeon Crawler Carl count. He definitely has flaws and maybe some mental issues. But generally he is 100% about helping people, and making sure as many people survive the ordeal as humanly possible. I would trust that man (and cat) with my life any day. He is not vain, he isn't boisterous, he may be a little crazy, but man does he love helping people.
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4points
#44
Chief Brody from Jaws (not the book though). He never tries to be the tough guy, when the grieving mother slaps him, he doesn’t argue or shift the blame to where it rightly belongs, he just listens to her anger and grief in quiet sympathy. When other characters shout at him, he listens to what they’re saying rather than ignoring it because of how it’s said, and throughout the entire movie he’s just trying to do the right thing, despite his own fears, and the pressure he’s under from people trying to dismiss the issue.
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3points
#45
Stephen Graham…he’s the Liverpudlian geezer but comfortable showing his emotions and always gives credit/praise to his wife and kids.
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3points
#46
Jake Peralta and honestly all the main characters in B99
Ted Lasso (the show combined not just any one character) and not just masculinity but to be in more touch of yourselves as a human.
Ted Lasso (the show combined not just any one character) and not just masculinity but to be in more touch of yourselves as a human.
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3points
#47
Brennan Lee Mulligan
ambitious, hard working, family man, charismatic, intelligent.
Also kind, thoughtful, just, inclusive, humble, and idealistic without being unrealistic.
ambitious, hard working, family man, charismatic, intelligent.
Also kind, thoughtful, just, inclusive, humble, and idealistic without being unrealistic.
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2points
#48
Cinema Therapy did a video on how Rocky shows a surprising amount of positive masculinity. Haven't seen the movie but they seemed to be making some good points.
2points
#49
Waymond from Everything Everywhere All at Once. The guy literally uses kindness as his superpower, and somehow that's tougher than any fight scene.
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2points
#50
Will Riker from Star Trek the Next Generation. Always a gentleman and always scoring with the ladies because of it. .
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-3points