As more and more people identify as ‘gender-fluid’, there is growing hostility in some quarters towards traditional gender stereotypes. In fact, for some the term ‘masculinity’ has become a dirty word.
Grayson Perry — the cross-dressing Turner prize-winning artist — is one such person. Perry has recently spent his time creating a whole television programme for Channel 4 dedicated to highlighting the problems that stem from ‘masculinity and manly men’.
Top of his no-no list? Bear Grylls. Yes, Perry says that the Old Etonian adventurer is a ‘hangover’ who represents a ‘masculinity that is useless’:
‘Try going into an estate agent in Finsbury Park and come out with an affordable flat. I want to see Bear Grylls looking for a decent state school for his child!’
As for Grylls’ show The Island — which sees contestants of both genders try and survive in the wilderness — Perry says it helps foster a masculinity that makes life in modern society more difficult:
‘Men might be good at taking the risk of stabbing someone or driving a car very fast, but when it comes to opening up, men are useless.
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