Batman and Masculinity

[@CursedShinobiClown]

Half of Batman’s fanbase doesn’t even understand the character lol

[@shriderrad4123]

A lot of them believe in his plot armor so its not very surprising

[@poopooman-q7r]

Yeah

[@plantainsame2049]

​@shriderrad4123 people who bring up bullshit like plot armor are just as bad That's how fiction works all characters have it

[@shriderrad4123]

@@plantainsame2049 Just because a story or something is fiction DOESN'T mean it can't be grounded. Yeah all kinds of characters have it, but Batman is the worse in terms of plot armor.

[@plantainsame2049]

@@shriderrad4123 it does its called fiction for a reason Also this is a fucking super hero comic Not all kinds all Plot armor is why the protagonists parents met why thay didn't get hit by a car

[@Eniggma39]

Batman shows one type of masculinity: the one who has not yet healed from his trauma but use it as fuel to make sure don’t have to deal with that kind of experience. It’s honourable and you want him to find happiness. I’m more of a superman fan but I like the Bat too

[@danyt1232]

Which makes his character so much more endearing when you do see him allowing himself to heal from his trauma, through helping the Robins, being part of a team, and having a life outside of being Batman.

[@cheekyscrub9102]

This is facts. Some of the best moments of Batman in any media is him being vulnerable. Like him grieving Jason’s death, or the scene in JLU with Ace, the times he calls any of his robins son, his respect for Superman, moments him and Alfred have a touching moment, calling Jim Gordon his friend, him helping Barbra after being paralyzed, the flash giving Bruce the letter from his dad, him giving a lollipop to a child (the fact he carries some his utility belt for such occasions) or Tim telling him that Batman always needs a Robin. All of these are Batman at his best. That’s not even touching how he gives back to Gotham to improve it or even the time he has some touching moments with his villains. I forgot what comic it was but he admits to poison ivy that he doesn’t see her as evil or him trying to help two-face or Freeze at times. To me that’s Batman at his best

[@rdzu834]

I think everyone forgets as well that they both strive for the same things. Justice and hope.

[@MrOrcshaman]

Batman isnt THE leader of the justice league, he is A leader, and often only works as a part timer for the group. He is the leader of the bat family though.

[@cartwrightworm1317]

Exactly. I had always thought Superman led the Justice League.

[@josephpena6181]

Yup

[@nightwing1491]

Batman to me is THE leader of the Justice League because think about it Batman is a great strategist and is good at giving order and I honestly don't think any other JL memeber would be a suitable pick other then I guess Martian Manhunter.

[@-Jaylxser-]

​@@nightwing1491in the 1980s comics, Batman spoke up and stated that he didn't know the Justice League believed him to be the leader. He expressed his belief that Martian Manhunter was the true leader. Since then, Martian Manhunter has been the de facto leader. Even Batman himself realizes that he is not the best leader for the team.

[@nightwing1491]

@@-Jaylxser- But he is the best when it comes to strategy.

[@samanthakelly718]

Im not a man so I'm not one to talk, but the compassion really does sell Batman as a character for me and makes me want to be like him. I recently rewatched BTAS and was honestly surprised how much he cared about just about everyone. I went in for the villains and was expecting Batman to just be the brute everyone says he is, but his compassion shone through surprisingly frequently, even (or especially) for his villains. It's amazing how he keeps it for his criminals despite everyone around him telling him it's a waste of time. Even when the show itself holds the villains accountable for how monstrous they can be. They're still people and Batman sees that. Another thing that made Bman a joy for me to watch was he was also a character whose intelligence is on full display too, which feels quite refreshing when the stereotype for masculinity kinda gets misconstrued into a "might makes right" idea. He really is a detective at his core and without his attention to detail and critical thought, he probably wouldn't make it as far as he does.

[@howdoichangemyusername9802]

Batman’s at his best when he beats bad guys senseless. There’s a reason the Arkham series never leaned into him actually being a caring hero who actively wanted to help Gotham city’s populace. Mr. Freeze is an exception and Jason is his son, so it was to be expected.

[@Davetonitheone]

​@@howdoichangemyusername9802he was kinda nice in the arkham games sometimes, like when he gives ras al ghul the chance to do the right thing instead of beating him up and blowing the place up, when he gave bane a chance to work with him, how he treats anarchy or when he talks to two face in knight or even azreal, arkham batman is a lot more brooding (he's actually seen worse shit than other batmen) but he still has a heart underneath all that brooding.

[@santanuroy3329]

@@howdoichangemyusername9802 I believe the Arkham games comes second to BTAS for a perfect adaptation of Batman. And in those games he _did_ actually show kindness to his villains, no matter how bad or evil they were. I mean, look at the ending of arkham city, batman tells joker that even after what he had done, he would have still saved him. When Ra's al ghul kiils Hugo Strange, his first thought is to seek medical attention for him, even though he knows who batman is and orchestrated Protocol 10. He gives Azrael a choice to turn for the good. When he realizes anarchy is just a teen, his entire behaviour changes around him. He seems himself responsible for what happened to Jason, Harvey, and even Alfred when he died once. Arkham probably has the most darkest batman universe, even then. He seems harsh and brutal, but behind his demeanor is always that man who made a promise.

[@howdoichangemyusername9802]

@@santanuroy3329 those are people he actually cares for. The average criminal? He’d rather run them over with the Batmobile and I’m here for it. Remember in Asylum when he saves the criminal with the Joker gas and proceeds to knock him out? That’s Batman. He’s not here to rehabilitate them. He’s here to break bones and bring justice to Gotham. Just like he said in Origins. “I can’t give you peace. But I can give you justice.”

[@santanuroy3329]

@@howdoichangemyusername9802 if he cares for the worst of the lot, he also should care about the normal thugs too. You yourself proved the point, he saved the average regular thugs from Joker gas, that means he doesn't want them to die. For the knocking out part, that's just how he works. Recount me some villain he _didn't_ knock out after he overcame them. He knocks them out unconscious so that they don't do mischief anymore.(you awfully sound like jason lmao) You quoted the line in AO which Batman said to Mr Freeze. In that DLC, hs saved both Ferris from Freeze, and Freeze from Ferris when both had the chance to kill another. He also saved Nora. He is a striking human of compassion, saving both the villains. He gives justice. But justice is blind, not heartless.

[@BAR0N48]

I believe masculinity is having purpose, doing hard work, having dicipline and doing what is right.

[@K1214-m9w]

So batman.

[@FileCorruption]

No way, you made a video about me!

[@funman-h7w]

😐

[@wasd6287]

Who u

[@allanv.7519]

​@@wasd6287the one in the video

[@Real_Evil_Mario]

Yeah, I’m Man.

[@Retrospect1998]

​@@Real_Evil_MarioOfficer Balls!

[@FgyjtIngenieroEuropeo]

Batmam is my literally me character.

[@darlalathan6143]

A great choice!

[@SuperBat63]

NO SIR IT'S MAN!

[@JD_1776]

that JLU episode where waller wants him to kill ace but he doesnt, is just so damn good. love it

[@giyuutomioka6974]

When i was a kid, i practically grew up on batman. And seeing him be relatable makes him better of a character. The fact he wants to have his rogues gallery gain a shot at redemption, even if some of them either dont deserve it or dont even want it, but batman will never take a life, makes him stronger than anyone could ever understand.

[@thecreatornooj1328]

I don't think leadership is a required quality for masculinity. I think it would be better to consider a pure identity and sense of self, as well as a compassionate and intelligent understanding of the world more valuable to masculinity than leadership. Every man cannot serve the role of leader. There would be no teamwork, and we would clash. Rather, using intelligence to know when to lead and when to follow, and how to do those things, would be better for us. Batman exhibits these qualities.

[@josephpena6181]

Exactly

[@williamj.dovejr.8613]

Superman and the Batman are both orphans. Clark had the love of his adoptive parents and Bruce had the guidance and love of Alfred. Both were raised to the best that they could be, they both could have gone off the rails but chose not to give in. They often disagree with each other but they both do not believe in killing. They also respect each other. If Batman is the leader, Superman is the heart and soul of the team.

[@rdzu834]

Two words that will explain Batman to everyone: “Night Cries”

[@isaiahlong8786]

Another aspect of Batman I love is his love for his children. He may not be the perfect father but he loves his Robins. He hopes for each of them to become something better than him. As a father myself I wish this same thing for my child. To teach them even if the lessons are hard and believe that they will be better than I am.

[@Lexthebarbarian]

God I love your videos and wisdom. I grow as a person. I will try to be more optimistic, driven, forgiving and goal-oriented in life.

[@imranbulks]

Thank you for the kind words my man. Respect for striving to be a better version of yourself.

[@AGuyWithSomeHair]

Excellent views and understanding of the psychological masculinity. You've earned yourself a subscriber, mon ami!

[@ScottAT]

Batman is the modern day re telling - a new version of Odysseus and the Odyssey. People might not know

[@AlysterDrake]

especially because odysseus is thought of as less powerful than other greek heroes

[@ScottAT]

@@AlysterDrake but he was the smartest, and planned his attacks-prep time, Batman literally is Odysseus

[@AlysterDrake]

@@ScottAT i agree odysseus was often seen like a coward for his heroic ways. like bat man is seen as cowardly for relying on prep time and his contingency plans for the JLU. but it gets the job done effectively

[@josteinhenrique2779]

You touched a very interesting point when talking Batman doesn't kill because he believes in reabilitation. However, I think this would be even more powerful if the comics didn't end up running in circles all the time and *actually* showed an end for some villains. Joker, for example, could end up dying because of the consequences of his own actions. Harley Quinn could try to reform herself and fight her psychological problems, instead of just becoming a female version of Deadpool. If I'm not mistaken, there is a period where Riddler worked as a detective.

[@zyaicob]

His refusal to kill the Joker is one of his biggest flaws actually

[@Jordan-ii4ip]

Batman is my favorite fictional character of all time. I have a very important connection with him that I can't entirely explain, I've always been an outsider, I've always felt alone, but Batman drives me forward. If I could describe Batman in one word, it'd be resilience, it's not about being invulnerable, it's about taking the pain and transforming it. "Every man has his limits, I ignore mine."-Batman.

[@darlalathan6143]

I like your attitude about the character! He's so good, he even grows on non-fans! I still admire him, even though I no longer identify as male!

[@aryanduggal8514]

James Gunn's Superman movie will probably become a fan favourite by all of us too for reigniting hope in us, ending the doomer phase. I hope so at least.

[@roachofdoom1234]

Nah. Gunn just isn’t a good filmmaker and we have to understand this

[@Red_Spidey]

@@roachofdoom1234 wrong Snyder is the one that aint a good filmmaker, go watch his dog ass rebel moon

[@Eniggma39]

I don’t think Gunn is the man for the job. He is good at making funny ensemble movies, not epics. I do think a superman movie should be an epic.

[@TheBatman39]

I'm also tired of being a pessimistic doomer all the time, but James Gunn's filmaking track record is the complete opposite of what Superman represents.

[@oreo21812]

As a kid I used to think Batman was boring cause he didn't have any super powers but now that i have grown up i realise why people love this character so much

[@armorbearer9702]

(6:15) Batman is showing us that it is ok to confide our doubts to other men we trust. Iron sharpens iron!

[@kyleboisvert4501]

Beautifully said. This one hit me in the feels.

[@SpiritualBattle420]

Joker was used by pain , Batman used pain

[@sahilhossain8204]

Lore of Batman and Masculinity momentum 100

[@foxalpha3203]

batman is an inspiration for you to improve yourself and realize your full potential and use that to make the world a better place

[@addictedtochocolate920]

I understand there's a bit of a trend with this whole "X badass character and masculinity", but to me he represents the brilliance and terror of the human mind as a whole, not the psychology of men... Whatever that's supposed to be. Terror because It is made clear to us that, even if he has a positive impact on the world, Bruce himself is a deeply troubled person with traumas and a horrible obsession he can't let go of. Mentally he is just as gone and insane as the people he throws in jail, and you better not think of trying to take this symbol away from him or suggest he should stop; we saw what happened in The Dark Knight Returns. Brilliance because he has no real powers, yet he can always find a way to adapt and overcome most situations. Humanity's greatest tool isn't how strong, brave, masculine or intimidating they can be; it's their mind. No body builder, no soldier, no boxer in this world was going to bring down a mammoth bear handed; we did all that with our minds, with information and strategy. Batman represents the greatest ability humanity has access to, and limiting this interpretation to a gender is kind of a waste in my eyes; what happened to Bruce could happen to any individual.

[@5DRealm]

The result of rehabilitation is "The Sons of Batman"

[@sadistikalchemist]

The opposite of Tom King’s Batman run. XD

[@stephenwonghongweng4298]

Can someone write about Goku masculinity. He seems terrified of his wife at the same time does what he does.

[@neMgieTV]

Great vid

[@mrkaji8913]

And the animated DKR part 1 & 2 are so much better than BvS

[@jm9561]

Crazy how a guy who doesn't call himself a Batman fan making a video essay about masculinity understands the character better than most people who give themselves that title.

[@Frogman1212]

He's not the leader of the Justice League. I don't know where people get that from. That's not the case in comics, DCAU, or the Snyderverse.

[@Lite727]

Though he’s a part timer whenever he’s around he assumes the leadership position mainly because he’s always the plan, the budget, and the most resourceful. The role shifts between the trinity. They are the leaders of the JL.

[@Frogman1212]

@@Lite727 The plan and budget are much more negotiable than most adaptations show. Wonder Woman and Superman both have treasure troves of fantastical things, and are extremely intelligent. Wonder Woman is more rich than Batman. And keep in mind the batmania of 1989, and subsequent merchandising boom Batman got which gave him way more books than anyone else, are responsible for much of the random prevalence Batman has been treated with in post dark age comics.

[@zyaicob]

He's the leader in a lot of continuities

[@SultanKhan-of6xm]

Hey, why not make a video on James Bond and masculinity

[@keiroty7187]

Batman for any thing wants to save his bad guys and see them live another day although he has contingency plans even for himself

[@LokiStuartsson]

I'd like to hear your thoughts on Kratos from the God Of War franchise he's also an amazing masculine character.

[@imranbulks]

100% a video I'll make soon.

[@fr33d.editzz]

Crazy if he finds the justice league being a part timer

[@susanroche597]

I’m comic nerd and bat has nothing to do with masculinity. 0:42 real definition /qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys. "handsome, muscled, and driven, But Batman villains fit the same definition, Ban,killer croc 🐊,clay face,redhood. Why masculinity doesn’t mean you’re a good person. Batman doesn’t care how he looks to the public but holds on his humanity. Based on historical evidence masculinity is more toxic. Because focus ideas how males should act. Like “family values”

[@TheBatman39]

Yeah, i'm Man

[@astr0nau0t15]

Thanks for being a real mf and speaking the truth 💪

[@max.4810]

lego batman is my idol

[@nosotrosloslobosestamosreg4115]

Make a video on Guts/Gattsu from "Berserk".

[@SepRoyle]

I grow up with batman show comic book

[@thk03]

Love the accent

[@dustinhernandez8214]

5:34 😂

[@marchionessamoretto7326]

I love Batman and I am a woman

[@SS-wd5sg]

LIFE IS WAR

[@Jerryboii54]

Really wish modern spidey was more masculine

[@darlalathan6143]

Which one?? Masculinity is a physical condition, not a behavior. Spider-Man saves lives and fights supervillains, so he is a superhero, even if both versions are geeks. 🤓

[@K1214-m9w]

What is that supposed to mean? I know you're talking about Tom Hollands Spider-man so I ask how is he less masculine than other Spider-man iterations?

[@Deviant-Strategic-Assassins]

@@K1214-m9w shows you a scene were he getting taken from behind for a movie scene*

[@K1214-m9w]

@@Deviant-Strategic-Assassins that's the actor in a different project not related to spider-man.

[@dylannichols3577]

@@Deviant-Strategic-Assassinsliterally a different movie

[@MP-db9sw]

If your two core elements of masculinity are NOT AT ALL EXCLUSIVE TO MEN then wtf even is masculinity? THATS why Batman doesn't kill? Are you sure? Interesting character dive into Bat mythos- is he really trying to save Gotham? I mean, yes, but then again he's one of the wealthiest men in the world and he "saves" Gotham by running around in a costume, bashing people... Awesome how WW's tots are the highlight visual of Batmans leadership role in JL 😂 Batman leads because he has purpose? It's not any other qualities? Are you sure? Because some of those other chars have purpose, too. Idk, I think there might be more to it. BAM! Batman has compassion! That's one of the real pillars of the character. Back to idealizations of masculinity. When the bedrock of your masculine ideal is something that is equally true for women, is it really a bedrock element of masculinity?

[@jessiemchummigbird1493]

The majority of women are not leaders

[@AlternateSnake]

Very poor analysis of masculinity. Purpose and Drive I like and is actually very good. But leading has no correlation with manliness or being a man. A strong commander is just as much a man as his low level grunt and a solo traveller. It's more along the lines of the first few things you said.

[@alejandrocordovar.7060]

Dont know, by that standars Charly Manson will be a very Masculine man.

[@FriarJoe66]

Reject masculine Batman, embrace androgynous Nightwing

[@darlalathan6143]

That's a good Devil's Advocate position! Please tell me more! I didn't know Nightwing was non-binary!

[@FriarJoe66]

@@darlalathan6143 he’s not :p he’s just the most androgynous person in the bay family imo, especially when he has longer hair.

[@justinweber4977]

​@@darlalathan6143 I think it has more to do with a fandom joke. 'Your gender and sexual orientation are irrelevant, everyone wants Nightwing."

[@marchionessamoretto7326]

Go and Man Up 😂😂😂

[@TheBatman39]

ok we get it you are down bad for femboys and twinks

[@jamestolbert1856]

Why did you have to talk about THIS BATMAN?! Why not talk Robert’s, or Christian’s, or Kevin Conroy’s?!! I’m sorry I’m just a little annoyed that you picked this one.

[@thatonefpsgamer1339]

Arthur Morgan, Joel Miller, and Batman are proof that no matter how hurt you are, you should fight to save others from the same trauma