What do women find desirable in the masculine expression? And does it line up with the expectations men believe they have to fulfill to be wanted? And is Nicolas Cage in National Treasure actually really cute? (yes) Today I sit down with a friend who is wild about Ben Gates in National Treasure for his unique expression of masculinity. To her, this character represents what she finds desirable about masculinity without common toxic influences that affect the many young men she encounters in real life. Hot nerds, age gap dating, and the spirit of adventure! All that and more.
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The Recs
Something to Read: Shantaram
This book just got turned into a tv show on Apple TV + so it’s basically a two in one content rec! On top of providing the same thrill as National Treasure’s action and adventure, this book is such an interesting perspective on the journey of finding one’s true self as a man in a world crumbling under the weight of toxic masculinity. I’ll be the first person to admit there is so much about the male condition that both confounds and infuriates me. But I also know that true romance, the hot hot seductive kind, comes from reaching across that confusion. I felt like this book helped me to do that a bit.
Something to Watch: Atlantis, The Lost Empire
If you want another nerdy KING, Milo Thatch is your guy. Romance! Mystery! Civilizations lost to history! A surprising amount of diversity for the early 2000’s! That’s a good movie night if I ever heard of one.
Something to Listen to: The Divine Feminine, Mac Miller
Mac Miller strikes this softness that’s such a lovely contrast to his bold sound and commanding energy. He encompasses so much in this album. I love it.
Nicolas Cage in National Treasure and His Non-Patriarchal Dominance