Maximus and Masculinity in the Brotherhood of Steel (Fallout Season 1)

[@highgrove8545]

The trap in Dane's shoe was a razor blade

[@lindsaysfallout]

Why did it look so clampy to me??

[@elrac7333]

​@@lindsaysfalloutIt was an old fashion double sided razor blade, they had a gap in the middle so it could be attached to stuff.

[@xqzqcv7950]

​@@elrac7333It was lots of razor blades, glued to the inside of the boot

[@Carblesnarky]

So I am an old geek. I starting playing D&D in 1981. So bear with me if I mess the terms up. Leaving gamergate and alt-right gamers to the side for a moment, there has always been an honestly strong thread of queer and trans identities in gamer spaces. Transmasculine or at least adjacent identities have always had a presence. Even going back to the sci-fi/SCA/D&D crowds of the late 80s. We just didn't have the same terms. You being a dude I understand (well as much as I can understand anyone else's identity).

[@ryanmccolloch4734]

I hope Dane gets a more prominent role in the Season 2 plotline.

[@Setsunako6587]

Dane can be a HUGE asset to Maximus as a fellow renegade!

[@ryanmccolloch4734]

@@Setsunako6587 I hope they get a plotline as a duo looking for Lucy, The Ghoul, and Dogmeat.

[@LokiStarOmen]

@@Setsunako6587their fear of disappointing or raising suspicion from the Brotherhood can also be a good foil to the changes Maximus has gone through. They could be both a great boon and a great friend turned enemy or at least temporary roadblock before they realise they are close to the freedom they clearly want

[@mileslugo6430]

That be crazy cool if the Brotherhood was as beguiling as you head cannon. Crafting knight and Squire duos out of Comraderie and in hopes of building a strong Fraternity. You know instead of bullying the new guy. Men can simple; a new addition can be a paradigm shift so instead of using words or friendships to make sure nothing changes they just beat them up.

[@qualiaty]

I'm Gender Queer / Non-Conforming and recently said outloud "I don't really identify as a man, but I do identify as a Dude" thank you for the validation :)

[@lindsaysfallout]

*enthusiastic dude to dude high five* 🖐️ 😂❤

[@qualiaty]

@@lindsaysfallout 🙏

[@cait6461]

I just had this conversation with myself last night. Sometimes I woman. Sometimes Im just a little dude. Just a little gobbo. Just a lil coagulation and cessation of gender altogether 😂

[@Stray7]

I have a character (an NPC in a superhero TTRPG I run, yes I'm a nerd) that would definitely vibe with that. I've been somewhat struggling to describe in concrete terms how they feel about gender (being cis-gender my own self), and that just fits them perfectly.

[@LokiStarOmen]

Same dude, same. I go by They/He but I am honestly a man (and a woman) in the same sense that singles is cheese. You can vaguely get the suggestion of cheese, but it’s clearly nothing like actual cheese

[@Charcuterie123]

9:20 fallout 4 even has girls that are power armor nerds in the atom cats gang (Roxy and Rowdy)

[@evamelendez5738]

“ it was a lot more fun to put the perfectionism down “ I had fun right along with you . If this way is more sustainable AND it results in more frequent videos , then go for it I love the personal and social stuff and I really hope to see more of it cause I just love your insights

[@Furore2323]

My main fear for the show is that the writers don't put in as much thought and effort as people like you and all of the genuinely wonderful, intriguing, meaningful stuff from s1 will devolve into the kind of shash that we've seen from so many other once-excellent shows.

[@lindsaysfallout]

@@Furore2323 omg right. I’ve had my heart broken before 😆

[@Furore2323]

@@lindsaysfallout I don't feel confident for Fallout in the way I do for Andor. Be nice to be wrong.

[@LokiStarOmen]

I feel like “The flesh is weak but steel endures” was taken from a Christian saying I often heard growing up “The body is weak but the spirit endures.” It was basically something the priests would say as supposed comfort and was always followed by “God is simply testing you” so to me it always felt like them trying to fob people off and ignore their need for real help and to say that somehow they deserve what’s happening to them. Also, I think you forgot Dane apologised for doing it to themselves and they wouldn’t if they knew Maximus would get the blame? If they really hadn’t done it themselves, why would they apologise for it when they were alone for no one else to hear? I think maybe they were really scared and they knew Maximus wanted it more than they did, so when they found out Max was taking their place they were proud of him but couldn’t act too happy for him without rousing suspicion. At least that’s my thoughts on it. If they wanted to retcon the idea that Dane disabled themselves it wouldn’t be difficult or completely unreasonable to do so. But I honestly think none of them have the balls to pull a stunt like that. (I haven’t finished watching but I’m posting this comment now so I don’t loose it cuz my ap keeps closing and deleting what I’m writing, will probably edit) Edit: Yea, I should’ve waited until later in the video 😂 I really think Dane was masking their fear. Also I’m pretty sure Dane has a crush on Maximus and didn’t want to be left by him. I’m also autistic so I may be reading it wrong, but it really feels to me like Dane is doing their best to hide their feelings and that’s the reason their interactions feel off with Maximus Regardless of weather we agree or not on Dane being guilty of incapacitating themselves I still loved the video. Can’t wait for the next one 🖤💚

[@borkborkbork23]

Honestly the intro is a mood, like gender is a stupid dumb thing and forcing labels onto ppl who don't want them hurt. I don't feel a connection with men and when I became a woman I don't feel connected to them either. its like none of it makes since, almost as if gender was just a social construct to begin with. Also ppl get mad at it/its pronouns but I never know why when I'm happy using them.

[@LokiStarOmen]

Because some people like to get butthurt over pronouns no matter what you use. Also a lot of people who got bullied growing up were called an ‘It’ to dehumanise us, I experienced that myself, but i honestly don’t get the hostility towards It/Its pronouns. Personally would use them for myself but if that’s what someone is comfortable with and makes them happy then it’s not my place to be upset about it, at least that’s how I see it. If those pronouns make you happy, more power to you, I hope they continue to make you happy and that you meet more people who respect it

[@borkborkbork23]

@LokiStarOmen facts lol, I got called "It" aswell. This is my way of reclaiming the word and also a way to express to ppl im not human, im a wolf therian so it works out lol

[@celestialcass]

This is a great video with an interesting take on Dane as a character and I love that you're making videos like this with these topics. The GPT assisted part was a turn off as I am very Anti-AI as both an artist and a writer but otherwise A+ video!

[@lindsaysfallout]

@@celestialcass I am currently producing a video addressing my AI use on my other channel, but in a nutshell, if you don’t understand the full context of why I’m using it, which you obviously don’t, I don’t value your opinion on my choices.

[@celestialcass]

@@lindsaysfallout So you haven't provided context yet, then blame me for not understanding your use of AI? Given that, I don't value your opinion on my choices either. You demonstrated decent text analysis, but as someone who has had years of my hard work stolen and put into AI with zero credit or compensation It is disgusting to me. In a nutshell, I was complimentary and gave you the benefit of the doubt, and you deemed my words as worthless. Much like I see AI generated stuff! Good luck with your channel, I won't force you to see my 'valueless' opinions again.

[@lindsaysfallout]

@@celestialcass Congratulations, you've made it to my next video. EDIT: This video will be 30 minutes long. I don't feel bad that I didn't attempt to satisfy your nervous system in KZbin comment replies.

[@trevorwilliams6362]

​@@lindsaysfallout that was weirdly aggressive and dismissive, which made me really sad.

[@lindsaysfallout]

@@trevorwilliams6362 I’m sorry, I don’t feel bad dismissing disrespect. If a more thoughtful argument would be more palatable I assure you my full length video on the subject on @lindsay-makes-videos will provide that.

[@Kyler.Mellen]

Love the nuance you engage in!! Your videos are super insightful!!

[@domongart9331]

"I find safe topics boring" oh yeah, I feel that. I've spent a lot of time arguing online about sacred cows ;)

[@WakaWakka-yc9su]

Great video Lindsay! I cant wait for the next one :D

[@belle132]

Great insights, as always. Now it's 10x more interesting to see what Maximus will decide to do in the next season.

[@lindsaysfallout]

Really? Wow thanks!

[@brewdaly1873]

I'm a cis man myself, but I think you've done a great job expressing yourself. I may not have personally experienced many of the things you've been through, but I know a dude. I'm only slightly disappointed that you didn't say "I'm a dude, he's a dude, she's a dude, cause we're all dudes." I may not be able to relate to your experience, but as far as I'm concerned you're a cool dude.

[@Stray7]

On topics, I'm enjoying the personal relationship with the story, because like you said, there's not a lot of other people doing that sort of thing. If I want to watch lore vids, there's a ton of that content out there. If i want to watch stuff speculating on the future of the franchise and potential news, there's a ton of that content out there. Stuff that's more using Fallout as an examination of our society and culture through personal experience? That's much rarer.

[@debbiewilson695]

Great video!! I was looking for someone to talk about it and I’m glad you covered it

[@across2bear360]

As far as the voice change effect, I assumed that was something Titus would specifically put since he knows how whiny he can sound

[@hopefulbadger2160]

Jfc, 20 minutes in. I love the analysis. Phenomenal and well articulated points about indoctrinated values. I personally just spend a lot of time thinking about cultural relativity, and the idea that like values culture dependent, And I think that your analysis here will help people get to that point. I think that's really cool.

[@darganism4338]

Holy shit dude… I’ve enjoyed all your videos so far and didn’t think this topic would stand out to me much, but the comparison around 18:00 (Brotherhood vs US when individuals violate cultural values) hits hard. I think Veronica embodies a different take on this tension in the New Vegas Brotherhood, and Cass feels similarly as part of the NCR - I respect what the values are *supposed* to mean, but in the present moment it feels like the trappings have overshadowed the substance. I suspect it has felt that way to many humans in many cultures, so I have to keep my present-tense bias in check a bit.

[@Noctilucent_Cloud7]

I'm loving the video so far. In the game if you remove the fusion core from someone (usually by sneaking) the suit opens. So I think that in this specific situation that people are upset since it is opposite of what happened in FO4. I personally don't care. Adaptations gotta adapt, as long as the show always works like this then it's fine.

[@red99Baron]

14 minutes in and i'm loving the video so far! One thing though. I'm assuming you've watched the whole thing but in the final episode Dane confesses to maiming themself out of fear of entering active service in an effort to save Maximus from execution. Hadn't considered it till watching this video but it is possible that Dane lied about their confession to save Maximus' skin but I'm more inclined to believe that they are honest. I think it's poignant because Dane was raised and trained to believe that it was an honor to die in the service of the Brotherhood and that they are an expendible resource, but deep down knew this was cruel and feared their fate, prompting them to self-mulilate to escape active service in the Wilds. In the final episode Maximus and Dane join the assault on the Griffith Observatory and the scene is dripping with dread and fear. Dane is exactly in the scenario they wished to escape but they fight - not for the Brotherhood - but for Maximus. Anyway I still think discussing who the Brotherhood, Maximus and Dane thinks harmed Dane is still a very good means by which to interrogate their desire to conform in the Brotherhood, it's expectations and the male camaraderie and male toxicity.

[@red99Baron]

at 44m and you've already covered this - lmao whoops

[@OMARANT100]

Y'know, a BOS and Followers team-up would be amazing for everyone around them.

[@lindsaysfallout]

It would be too amazing and too perfect which is why it'll never happen!

[@TempestinBlue]

I just want to say that you make such good content. I LOVE a deep dive. I even watch multi-hour deep dives about shows and things that I’ve never seen and never intend to see. And yours are top notch. I don’t even really care what the next one is about. I’m still going to watch. Though I hope that you get to the ghoul serum eventually because that shit is weird.

[@lindsaysfallout]

@@TempestinBlue aww thank you! I’m really enjoying getting all these thoughts out of my head so I’ll keep em coming!

[@SubmarinePirate1991]

Is Thaddeus going to turn into a super mutant or a ghoul?

[@meowhisd4546]

Great video, I am looking forward to more as long as it does you well! Thank you Lindsay!

[@FlorianRohrweck]

Was a great and interesting video, thanks! :)

[@across2bear360]

as a dude who has always referred to myself as a dude as well as everyone else as dudes, (thanks Kenan and Kell) I just gotta say, you're my kind of dude !!

[@gg_sam7847]

There's a video by the Channel Squircle that goes a lot into her thoughts on Maximus that I think you'd really like. It kinda supports a lot of your points but also goes against a few in some interesting ways, I reckon you'll very much appreciate watching it

[@gg_sam7847]

They've only made 3 videos at the moment though so it might be hard to find them

[@gg_sam7847]

There's a video by Genetically Modified Skeptic that goes into how cults and abusive religious communities demand so much more from their followers and deprive them of certain education topics. Somehow it makes people more likely to endure it longer, think sunk-cost-fallacy. So that's probably why they're so inexperienced when to comes to sexual stuff

[@false_guru]

I said an audible, “HAHAHAAA! Fuck YEAH!” At 3:15

[@mileslugo6430]

I thought masculinity was about Competence especially because it's Maximus' merit in finding what the brotherhood needs or probably more accurately wants to take control.

[@ІванІндукаєв]

I'm she/they transfem and I really fw Dane, like they're the reason I'm comfy w/ my masculinity again and don't d¡e of dysphoria every morning when I see my facial hair again

[@gg_sam7847]

That's really nice to hear 🙏

[@happychap8457]

this was a really interesting video. i dont agree with most of it but i think its a really interesting reading. i do think Dane put the razor in their own boot. (I'm sorry). i think the intense looks and talk in the "you wouldn't hurt a fly" scene are a couple of dude bros who want to say how much they will miss each other, but they cant/ wont / dont have the words to explain those feelings; so they talk about everything else instead, leaving the big feelings unsaid, but understood. i think Maximus is looking for power / strength but has no idea what to do with it when he has it. like you said he's naïve. he tries to act like a superhero when he get the armorer (power strength) and it doesn't work out. everyone who should be an example to him in the brotherhood lets him down. Titus is a coward and the leadership see him as disposable until he can be useful as symbol for the rest of group. The only person in the brotherhood who has not let him down or mistreated him is Dane. I assume there will be a Dane vs Lucy at some point, both pulling Maximus in different directions with the power he is getting in the brotherhood. Anyway, im going to go watch more of your vids.

[@sanctuary6689]

I’m 20 minutes in and I’m over here saying, “PREACH!”

[@ericaking5214]

Excellent video! I LOVE your content.

[@JP-uf9sh]

Once again a very deep and comprehensible approach. Honestly I like the perspective you give me because I felt Max was very immature almost to a painful degree. I only realized it was his masculinity (or his lacking one rather) that bothered me once you started chipping away at it and I was blown away how obvious it was I just couldn't put my finger on it. I feel like Maxes story was the weakest of the four stories so far I felt like his development suffered a little to get the brotherhood dynamic established. I kinda feel his story was utilized to mainly show the system he grew up in instead of his character developing. But maybe you disagree on that. I have big hopes they flesh him out more in Season 2. I instantly felt a kind of cringe feeling with Max and Lucy romancing (if you can call it that, like I was hurting for both of them) because it came from a point of immaturity and nativity (both of them are still growing into who they really are, at least that is the feeling I got If they are going to be endgame a LOT needs to happen for me to buy it) please don't take this the wrong way I get some people really like to see Max and Lucy together but for me "puppy love" is painful to look at. Maybe because I'm demi and I don't get it? However I strongly felt that there was a big Max & Dane vibe at least for Dane there got to be some romantic feelings involved. I kinda hope for more in Season 2! I really really love your takes on the Fallout Series and I am looking forward for more. Everything and anything! But the whole ghoul wonder serum keeps me guessing so I'd love to hear you ponder over it some more. :D I don't have much exposure with people that are not cis so listening to your input was really valuable for me. I definitely have someone in the family who leans more towards the male spectrum while she is now fully identifying as a female there was a lot of struggle with acceptance and gender roles. (Sorry mum none of us are little glitter princesses :P) So I just wanted to say it needs to be talked about more and I think you are very brave for putting yourself out there. :) :)

[@travisemerson933]

dude, female dude was the easiest label to understand. been loving your content (also I may have already commented when I watched the first half, oh well, engagement)

[@travisemerson933]

doesn't look like it

[@TheK5K]

Your assessment of the Brotherhood of Steel is insightful. They are, much like any real world organisation, first and foremost about establishing and maintaining their own power. In this case they've used the brutal tactics of playground bullying and enculturated a generation of young people to fight for them. Titus was right - it is bullshit to go looking across the Wasteland for toaster ovens (although yours is superb clearly Lindsay) - that's because they're not - they're looking across the Wasteland for power. Tech is just one way to get it, creating a legion of brainwashed followers who believe in your 'cause' is another way. I reckon Thaddeus did the dirty on Dane with the boot-razer. Disappointed that they weren't selected up front they tried to take a successful applicant out - and what do you know - soon enough they were being airdropped to Maximus. Oh, and girl costume Lindsay....uh....you seem much more like you now. :)

[@BearIslandComics]

A Mr House video would be phenomenal

[@SurvivenTerry]

You know raiders have their own personal struggles and they attack everyone and take what they want to "de stress"....thats not a great way to live. So many are forgetting that and starting to act like a raider.

[@weaselbug8631]

Favorite band is NSP I was already gonna stick around but now it's so solid that I'm sticking around

[@lindsaysfallout]

NICE!

[@lindsaysfallout]

I just came back to this video and scrolled all the way looking for this comment because it occurred to me I missed an opportunity to scream loud as shit “HEY DO YOU WANT PIZZA???” and then fly through the air like some pizza ass doves

[@weaselbug8631]

@@lindsaysfallout HERE COMES THE PIZZA

[@TrismegistusMx]

I relate to your gender identification from the other side of the transition. I'm AMAB, nonbinary, and use he/they because I don't want to explain to randos how I relate to gender. Just want to say that I sense the masculine energy from you, and I'm glad you are aware and sovereign in your beliefs about yourself.

[@BarefootCM]

The idea that WWII ending and the dropping of the bomb was "different" is profoundly stupid when it is numbered after the Great War/WWI that was the "war to end all wars"

[@Thraxis]

I like your Brotherhood was psyoping Max the whole time, although for this level of Truman show level manipulation Maximus needs to be in a simulation or something, its more Vault-Tec's style or the enclave than the Brotherhood, for all their faults they are a pretty straightforward organization, I was also getting Dane jealousy vibes, and its possible I guess that if Max was so clueless about sex and feelings maybe Dane is as well, I do really like their relationship dynamic, hope Dane is Max's Squire / scribe next season

[@mileslugo6430]

Lol yes! Men constantly think about the Roman Empire! Great video

[@ScaryBandMonster]

"Brotherhood Hogwarts" 🤣🤣🤣

[@flu77erluv]

Thank you.

[@JadedeaJade]

Naw fam you're nurturing, just in a different way. My mom treated me the same way. I'm a tomboy and my parents are traditional. Did sports in school, played with the boys until I couldn't, then snuck off and played with the boys and got grounded lol. Then I joined the military, served, and now I just sit behind a desk looking pretty. My mom always forced me into more feminine stuff. It wasn't that I wasn't into some of it, it was that she made it a chore or a punishment.

[@TrismegistusMx]

Regarding your comments about non-binary being a non-identity I identify ultimately as consciousness, which I believe a source of infinite potential. I see the spectrum of femininity and masculinity as a whole, and the poles as parts. When a person assigns a label of masculine or feminine, they're denying its opposite. Even if I present his masculine, calling me such would be denying my feminine attributes.

[@_Azzychan]

"Flesh is weak, but Steel endures". I haven't really played the games, but have watched people play (including my hubby). Isn't that saying in the games as well, or am I incorrect? Also, I don't think that was a bear trap. To me, it looked just like giant razor blades.

[@atomiczombie22]

Really like this analysis. As a transman, I identify a lot with your experience of masculinity.

[@forrestpatterson6053]

I did not expect to get such a laugh out of your explanation of gender queerness. Thank you for that.

[@Stray7]

If you're up to talk about the triggering, I think that might be a very interesting video, though obviously that might be difficult to talk about. So yes, I'm saying I'd be interested, but not at the cost of your own piece of mind.

[@SpacersChoice]

dane clearly did it and admitted it, and youre over thinking it.

[@lindsaysfallout]

OMG - someone out there tell me - do you think this person is serious/a jerk or are they screwing with me? I REALLY want to believe they're screwing with me.

[@gg_sam7847]

It wasn't exactly the MOST convincing moment I won't lie, and the line kinda felt like it was just thrown into the script. I can understand people still not believing they did it to themselves, especially since they have a history of not exactly being the most truthful/honest when it helps to assist their buddy Maximus

[@2nd3rd1st]

You're like Steve Rogers, man. He's Captain America, not Captain American Government. He's like if Superman was a soldier and couldn't fly.

[@lindsaysfallout]

@@2nd3rd1st I freaking lived captain America during my marvel days 😂

[@JuniperHedge]

Great video! I have one sticking point though... If masculinity is strength and leadership, does that make femininity weakness and subservience?

[@AnnetteKenny]

Just my opinion, but I think "Feminine" traits and "masculine" traits dont necessarily have to be opposites, but rather can be complimentary, like how its seen as "feminine" to be nurturing, social, responsible, insightful, and empathic. But toxic masculinity proposes the idea that women and men are opposites, men being at the top, which would imply that.

[@lindsaysfallout]

No. It's a big topic but it's more like masculinity is penetrative and femininity is like, shock absorption. It's two different styles of strength.

[@JuniperHedge]

@@lindsaysfallout wow, that's a very patriarchal view of gender ick

[@lindsaysfallout]

@@JuniperHedge I think it's cringey that you think you understand my position enough from my comment to share that opinion. EDIT: I have a big disclaimer at the beginning of the video asking people to give me the benefit of the doubt if there is any wiggle room for interpretation in something I said. You are exemplifying why I felt the need to make that disclaimer.

[@SnackuPacku]

I'd love anything new vegas related in the future :D

[@SnackuPacku]

Also Shadow Academy > NSP

[@RaygunGothgirl]

I've been thinking about this for months! Are you okay with response videos?

[@lindsaysfallout]

We'll see how they work out in my new workflow routine! I do like doing them, but if I did it would probably be the only video for that two week period.

[@homerj806]

Steel does not endures. It rust and decays over time. Nothing last forever. Just saying. Also watching the show the second time I did realize that there were females in the Brotherhood. Especially among the vertibird pilots. Overall they still ooze masculinity.

[@lindsaysfallout]

Yeah we never focused on them, it’s a shame, I would like to properly investigate their masculinity levels 😂 and the whole gender suppression theory I hope isn’t true 😅

[@TheK5K]

@@lindsaysfallout I think the secrets in the name - "Brotherhood" of Steel...kinda puts its own organisational gender status on the label. Sure, they'll accept people of any gender alignment - but the organisation as a whole is such a 'boys club' of masculinity it's over the top. Perfect for the 14 year old male gamer market.

[@lindsaysfallout]

@@TheK5K 14 year old gamer market or 38 year old awkward lesbian market 😆

[@TheK5K]

@@lindsaysfallout There's crossover I hadn't considered!! 😄

[@folcotook3049]

As a typical white dude who grew up in the center of the US, boys have "clubhouses." 😉 The video was great, so whatever the new process is, worked (at least from my perspective as the viewer).

[@meowhisd4546]

Wahoo!

[@carnivore00]

NSP!

[@Tera_B_Twilight]

Are we sharing brain cells? Because my thoughts are coming out of your mouth.

[@lindsaysfallout]

Don't you love when that happens? lol

[@universome511]

If this was a White Man's World wouldn't there be one in the Show you are talking about?

[@nikkihavers6432]

I don't know why you beeped out anything at all. KZbin has a thing about no bad words in the first 30 seconds, then you've got someone like JaWoodle that just hit 100k subs and swears so proficiently that he could make a sailor blush. Plus, you're quoting media, with fair use policy you would probably be fine dropping in a 1.5 second clip of the character saying the actual line.

[@AlexHyde666]

I think it's because youtube is so inconsistent with how they enforce their rules, especially with smaller creators, that people tend to err on the side of caution.

[@rickythompson205]

6 minutes in and you’re still yapping about real world gender issues and not fallout😴😴

[@lindsaysfallout]

…there’s literally an explicit warning…

[@MarchingGrrl]

Idiots when they ignore content warnings be like…

[@madeofmeats]

Wow who would have guessed that the video titled and discussing gender issues is about gender issues, shocker!!

[@lindsaysfallout]

@@madeofmeats Thank you for the solidarity 😅 I admit I have thin skin about this sort of thing.

[@BearIslandComics]

A Mr House video would be phenomenal