The Force Awakens, in addition to giving us a well-rounded female lead,* is chock-full of men who display vulnerabilities, empathy, and kindness, and one man who is struggling with living up to the ideals and expectations of toxic masculinity (referred to in the Star Wars universe as: The Dark Side). This article explores the ways in which newcomers Finn and Poe embody non-hegemonic masculinities, while Kylo Ren represents the anger, frustration, and rage that accompanies failing to live up to the standards of an antiquated view of masculinity.
*Editor’s note: Princess Leia is definitely my favorite character of the original trilogy, but her role is limited, and secondary to Luke’s journey, and even Han’s.
– Brett Goldberg
Read the article via The Mary Sue.
