Teen Titans | "Toxic" Masculinity

[@dejaypage1575]

Honestly the idea of masculinity here is kinda in the idea of it being healthy. Cyborg is a example of a positive masculine character as a whole. Yes, his favorite things are typical guy things (working out, auto shop, sports, BBQ, etc), but he’s a genuinely kind person who looks out for others. That’s what POSITIVE MASCULINITY is. Adonis is acting like a ball of machismo but is putting others down, but Vic is a charismatic guy who helps lift people up with him

[@TayoEXE]

I'm not even into working out and typically masculine things, but I'd totally hang out with Cyborg. He also likes video games, which I can get behind.

[@ProxiProtogen]

​@@TayoEXEcyborg just seems like a dude anyone can vibe with.

[@tylercoon1791]

We stan our mechanical mechanic king!

[@vincentmarcellino7183]

And he uses his strength to help people whenever he can and doesn't like treating those weaker than him bad. That's what really makes his masculinity the positive type

[@bloodbrawler1438]

​@@tylercoon1791For alliteration, mechanical mechanic monarch

[@MrOrcshaman]

Masculinity is great, it's a positive thing that should be held up. Femininity is great, it's a positive thing that should be held up. It's when toxic people get ahold of it, then they corrupt it's meaning.

[@callanightshade8079]

This 💯

[@jeremycarnes1656]

Define "toxic".

[@hhh1234h]

@@jeremycarnes1656detrimental to oneself of others

[@ryanleikness3414]

Ah like Rachel Zegler and Kathleen Kennedy

[@MrOrcshaman]

@@ryanleikness3414 bingo. Toxic men exist but don't define what masculinity is. My grandfather was a masculine man, fought in ww2, he raised his three daughters with respect and determination, and his daughters loved him so much for it.

[@tuliobednarczukpecinemisko5606]

Also if you consider Raven situation, it makes sense why she can feel empathy for Beast Boy trying to control his darker side.

[@princessmarlena1359]

I was thinking that as well when I first saw this episode.

[@SilverScribe85]

Sadly, the show barely looked into the complexities of B's personality the way Young Justice did. Throughout its run, Titans acted purely as an American knockoff of anime; a medium I only have...a small love for. Outside of a few shows, I just never liked the gags the Japanese considered to be funny; such as the violent "Tsundere" character (which Raven often is.) In closing, while Titans Go is a bane on the animation industry that deserves to burn...I'm not exactly eager to go back to the original show due to its many flaws

[@Meatburnt-iq1sr]

I want to like… but I don’t want to ruin the 666.

[@Delsin42]

​@@SilverScribe85"its many flaws" we watch the same show?yeah beast boy isn't the same level of complex as young justice,teen titans genuinely is one of the best DC works we've seen in awhile

[@SilverScribe85]

@@Delsin42 But I can't get past the poor comedy, knockoff anime gags, Raven's disgusting attitude issues and the poor portrayal of Beast Boy compared to others I've seen

[@Clonetrooperkev]

You know Robin is worthy of becoming the next Batman when his stare makes you want to behave better and feel great shame.

[@jasperpunster2123]

Yes sir sorry sir, I won't talk out of line again sir

[@princessmarlena1359]

Don’t forget his one liners.

[@desadograisedrobot515]

"Its not black tie is it?"

[@TupocalypseShakur]

I'll always remember that moment in Forever Evil when he tried that shit on the Injustice League, which ends with them laughing at him and making fun of him for the remainder of the story

[@kidprime6863]

When you've been training with the World's Greatest Detective, you tend to pick up a few tricks. Batman really rubs off on him.

[@charlessaint7926]

Honestly, I've dealt with a lot of people like this, both from men and women. Their defense is, "It's just the way I am." As if it nullifies all the bad things they've done.

[@angrybrony]

ah the "I'm an asshole" defence.

[@MrMegaSuperDuperMe]

Your honor, I'm just like that. You can't blame me for all those murders.

[@thomasraines1396]

I hate assholes characters who use excuses like “I can’t change who I am” or some other melodramatic nonsense.

[@angrybrony]

@@MrMegaSuperDuperMe bult different

[@somechupacabrawithinternet8866]

i didn't mean to shit on you that's the way i am

[@ran8601]

Another thing: When Beast Boy is holding Raven in his teeth, it's not a bad thing. They treat it like it is, but the way he's holding her is like how a mother cat holds her kittens for protection. After you realize that, you see that all along, he was protecting her.

[@KadeSutherland]

Bro robin told him to keep his voice down😒

[@UBvtuber]

Keep in mind, this was only a couple scenes after beast boy almost started a physical fight with raven. So, if his room is messed up, both of them are gone, and they find her unconscious being help by him in a monster form...... what would YOU assume happened?

[@Dewny1651]

@@KadeSutherlandthen got dropped 2 mins later😂

[@Bewarenoguchi]

Another thing it reminded me of, was fathers who hold their babies “Oddly” but in actuality it is fine and the babies enjoy it.

[@KumeraiFangTV]

​@@Dewny1651not dropped. Lowered. He put her on the ground carefully.

[@ChaoticNuetral420]

Yes, Beast Boy (at least in the comics) can become anything he has a knowledge of. So he can become sasquatch, dragon, Pegasus, etc if he has a detailed enough description.

[@eduardoribeiro8378]

In other animated media, shows that he's able to transform in supernatural beings such as demons (Teen Titans Vs Justice League) or even aliens (Young Justice).

[@dravenocklost4253]

​@eduardoribeiro8378 he turned into an alien animal from Starfire's planet he encountered in one of the last episodes of TT

[@enlongjones2394]

@@dravenocklost4253 one of the last? Didn’t he turn into a tamaranian animal that time they visited the palace in one of the Blackfire episodes? I think he brought that form back somewhere in the final season, too.

[@KairuHakubi]

Hm that doesn't make a lot of sense given how his powers work.. originally, a mongoose-blood-transfusion-induced awakening of an underlying mutation, then further refined into him tapping into the Red. surely the Red doesn't work on imagination, but on the continuum of fauna. Which includes aliens, magical animals, any living autotroph that isn't sessile and maybe some that are... right? but of course this is a comedy sub-universe where i believe he turned into a germ once.

[@patrickbuckley7259]

The problem with this being, all of these creatures exist in the DCU. He's still just turning into existing animals.

[@droylajarhirthefelinethief81]

A thing about this episode that I love is that Beast boy used this transformation in the Trigon arc in order to protect Raven. Nobody commented on it, there were no special camera shots, they just showed it and if you knew you knew.

[@MauZangetsu]

That solidifies the concept of The Beast as a force to protect. Like a wild animal using all their fangs and claws to defend their own 'till the end

[@remrad4315]

I barely remember that holy shit I'm so glad others noticed.

[@onemisterfranko]

I just did but yes it's a good touch.

[@howlingarmadillo]

I remember when I saw that I hadn't actually seen this episode yet and I was so confused wondering what the heck he'd transformed into, lol.

[@GameGodZERO]

I remember when the show was originally airing and that episode aired, I was hype af when Cyborg was plugging himself into the Tower defense lasers, Robin pulled out his extra weapons, and BB became the Beast for the first time since it's original episode. Really hammered in how dire the battle was, all of them pulling out their best game.

[@Synth_Dragon]

Literally just rewatched this one. I love the message, it didn't tell him to stop being a man, it told him to learn to control himself and not be a monster.

[@AdamAlvarez-hc6kf]

Where did you watch it I can never find anywhere to watch it

[@ShadyDoorags]

Teen Titans is available on Max and dvd collections.

[@AdamAlvarez-hc6kf]

Woooo I've been noticed!!!!

[@daniapfel2825]

​@@ShadyDooragsThis show is amazing

[@wraithreaper22]

​@@ShadyDooragsHey Shady, may I strongly suggest a review of Season 4 Episode 7 of The Power Puff Girls? It's one of the longer episodes and I really enjoy the message. Just a suggestion.

[@BoopaKing]

Robin didn't even flinch when Beast Boy tried to intimidate him, he squared up.

[@Isthisjoebiden]

He is really that ninja

[@tamyasaunders7689]

​@@IsthisjoebidenI don't think Robin's afraid of anything

[@tamyasaunders7689]

You think he's afraid of Slade

[@yami122]

@@tamyasaunders7689 Yeah he's afraid of slate he had a PTSD episode where a fake hallucination of slade beat him to the edge of death And he's hardly fearless He has shown fear quite a few times

[@yami122]

I mean Beast boys like a foot and a half and much slimmer than him. Can't imagine anybody being intimidated by beast boy in that situation he's also younger than robin

[@ryanl363]

"Why can't y'all obsess over something normal, like the Roman Empire" Dead.

[@hubertcalculus34]

Yes. Beast Boy, in the comics, learnt that he has the ability to turn into any creature, alive, extinct, or mythical.

[@ToHoldNothing]

And it's only weirder in some continuities, since his green skin is, at least in Young Justice, because he got a blood transfusion from Miss Martian, his adoptive sister. But I think generally it's because he was given a cure to a mutated zoonotic virus and the guy who did it, then tried to modify it and made himself turn purple. The Zookeeper, I believe?

[@kidprime6863]

​@@ToHoldNothingI thought it was because he contracted an unknown disease after being bitten by a bizarre green monkey and his parents gave him an untested serum to save his life. And that serum turned him into Beast Boy.

[@ToHoldNothing]

@@kidprime6863 It varies, but I think Young Justice was similar to that. The major comic book one I found is he contracted Sakutia and only a green monkey native to the area was immune, his parents giving him an untested serum to transform him into the monkey to kill the virus. Young Justice just had him get the Miss Marita blood transfusion, while some continuities involve Chief Niles Caulder of the Doom Patrol giving him the untested serum, which is similar to the Titans one specifically.

[@mrsentimental1995]

There is actually another lesson about bottled-up rage. If you remember, Beast Boy a few times lashed out due to also feeling like he had enough of feeling disrespected. Yes, all Raven did was bump into him and she didn't deserve the angry rant at that point in time. But he did tell her off about all the times she mistreats him and we do see him express rage in his room and ranting how much he feels he is not treated with enough respect as a member of the team and the one time he finally does express his feelings, even though he was under a toxic influence, he snapped. We and the team are shown throughout the series how beast boy always is being funny and goofy but the team most of the time just talk down to him like a pest. Being goofy was his way of getting noticed but most of the time not in a positive way. It clearly shows Beast Boy did have his feelings hurt those few times but couldn't have the courage to stand up for himself on that. When he finally does though, it is when he snapped. He reflects on that after he's cured showing he also still feels he doesn't have a healthy way of expressing his negative emotions. It is something many can relate as despite being known as the funny guy or the class clown, you're treated as a joke and not as fun guy in a positive way to be around.

[@comicbookreviewer4856]

For someone who has delt with being mistreated or disrespected i know most People aren't Awful some people can be misguided or have sets of Problems or Issues they are still have yet to over come or Think what they are doing is right In reality never stop to Think if it really making anything Better

[@fellowpassenger_54-67]

I can relate, I only managed to get friends back at school by being a clown, because of this they’d usually have no problem abusing my trust and undermining my opinions and agency, I was too blinded to see it until years later I tried to communicate this issue to them and they said they’d get better but they ignored it, I told them a second time and I got the same result, after the third time I lost it and drama happened as a result, after it ended I gave them one last chance to explain themselves only for them to use that opportunity to lie to me and refuse to take accountability, after that I cut them off for good They almost fooled me into believing their lies at that last talk, but I’m so glad I managed to spot their underhanded tactics before doing something idiotic like going back to them I would like to say that I’ve went from being a harmless man to a peaceful man (the former can’t stand up for himself or anyone when the time calls for it and the latter has the strength to stand up for himself and anyone they care about) But the truth is that I don’t know for sure, I can only know when the situation happens but for now I’m focused on doing what’s best for myself in the present moment like surrounding myself with people that have common decency and are a good influence

[@yami122]

And I think there's also a little bet of Rosetta Nebanium for how as soon as he starts acting out his teammates immediately act to suppress him to push him back down but look at Robin his own leader who has been allowed to throw tantrums left him right and even get the team Nearly killed over tantrums over slade. But as soon as Beast Boy ax out in the way that's honestly less than robin he's strapped to a chair

[@Neo-bd9dk]

To be fair on Beast Boy The writers constantly allow Double Standard: Abuse, Female on Male. Raven constantly smacks, slaps, and punches Beast Boy for making jokes or being inappropriate. Not only do fans accept this without question, but they think it's adorable and exaggerate it in fanworks. In "The Beast Within", Beast Boy brings up the salient point that he's often disrespected, especially by Raven. Beast Boy honestly deserved better.

[@yami122]

@@Neo-bd9dk Honestly got it a bit disturbing how Robin gets genuinely pissed beast boy for standing up for himself And not just doing what he's told Especially considering Robin has outright betrayed the team more than once Yet it acts like some back talk is going too far

[@MollyOKami]

I'm a woman who appreciates a good documentary about the Roman Empire…or serial killers.

[@darthlazurus4382]

Serial Killers do seem popular with the lassies.

[@misfits9294]

Same!

[@Undomaranel]

They're popular because we're often the victims OR married/ related to one. It's less of a fascination and more research... unless you're a twitterpated teen going after a bad boy. Then you need to grow up.

[@Ozzygirl17]

Deadly Women (infamous female killers) was admittedly a fixation for me while in college, though that might be because I graduated with a BA in Psychology. However, I liked watching Animal Miracles with Alan Thicke in high school. Currently, I like Wipeout (with John Henderson and John Henson), Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune.

[@LAHFaust]

So uhh... How you doin'?

[@humanperson6757]

Quite late here, but the name "Adonis" comes from a figure in Greek myth said to be extraordinarily beautiful. This name was used for the "Adonis complex," a form of body dysmorphia (like anorexia) afflicting men wherein they feel like they're never muscular enough, and become obsessed with gaining more. This ties into Adonis being a thinly-built man in a muscular-looking robo-suit, but also ties in to how thanks to the chemical accident Beast Boy acts more manly at the expense of, and even going against, other parts of his identity.

[@ctchimchar5258]

You think your late, look at me friend But yes you are right

[@TheOcchiodelciclone]

In the myth Adonis is also a toxic narcissisc piece of shit, like the one here in the show

[@corruptcamerupt2344]

In mythology Adonis was actually described as so beautiful that several gods fell in love with him. With the more traditional tales have him being the lover of Aphrodite and Persephone, who actually fell in love with him at the same time so he would spend one half of the year with one and then the other half with the other, other tales even have gods like Apollo, Heracles, and Dionysus falling in love with him.

[@geomania8533]

Still hate this version of Adonis. Mostly cuz hes mostly just a c list villain. That and he’s a creep.

[@MentallyillManlet]

The ending with Raven encapsulates the perfect mindset about masculinity. "Having that thing inside doesn't make you an animal. Knowing when to let it out is what makes you a man."

[@SuperCosmicMutantSquid]

I remember the twist watching the episode for the first time and it was well played because the whole episode makes you worried for Beast Boy and Raven that you're distracted to the possibility of another monster. And yes, Robin did it on purpose but to this day I still vouche for it if only because Robin knew the only way to 'bring out the beast' was by doing something only he and Raven had the possibility of doing which was intimidate and hold power over BB. Cyborg is his best buddy and Starfire is too nice but Robin, concerned about both, knows he has to do things as leader even he doesn't like and of the group he's the best at putting up a face which is why I love Robin so damn much. He has no powers or enhanced abilities (via implants) so all his skills he has to build on his own. He's essentially playing Batman in this episode right down to how he uses words and his presence to figure out the mystery. Edit:....I just realized JUST NOW both monsters have freaking flowing mullets. That at certain points are animated weirdly well. 😂

[@Nanomano2864]

Ah the mullet, the peak of masculinity toxic or otherwise.

[@rileybear836]

Completely agree about Robin 👍🏼

[@mayor_theo]

Bro fr. I watched this show as a kid and rewatched it recently. First times watching it I didn't see the twist coming. În the more recent viewings, I knew there is a plot twist and actually Beastboy is good, but always forget it. For exemple, watching this video I knew there is a twist but till he mentioned, I couldn't remember it. I usually smell these twist from miles ahead till they appear in shows.

[@MatsuyoRific]

I agree with the sentiment that some normally toxic traits can have their positive applications. For example, say your kid is being bullied in school, and the teachers are complacent in the bullying. Becoming a Karen in that situation is sometimes the best way to deal with it, because you're letting the school know that you won't tolerate them allowing this to happen to your kid.

[@Buglin_Burger7878]

In the case of Karen, what defines it is being unhinged about something they shouldn't be unhinged about. It is also likely to lead to more bullying to the kid as their mom is a psychopath, and in turn your kid will not bring it up out of fear of getting embarrassed or worse by you again.

[@momzwrite]

I think this example is also how people-pleasing can be toxic. Because in this case a people pleaser would tell their kid to try to figure out how to be friends with the bully, while a true mama bear wouldn't care about judgment from others when she protects her kid.

[@Alias3141]

Let me give a father's perspective... teach your kid to stand up for themselves. There will be bullying outside of school that your kid will need to deal with. Making it the school's problem doesn't teach your kid to solve their problems. It teaches them *you* will solve their problems. Makes for pathetic adults.

[@RobynAnimal]

I both love and hate this episode of TT. When Robin was UNKNOWINGLY was affected by chemicals BEFORE this episode, the Titans knew something was wrong. However, when BEAST BOY completely 180d in personality, they were just like, "Guess this is just how he is now."

[@airacummins5076]

Puberty hormones was probably what they assumed, hes like 12

[@Luxord5294]

@@airacummins5076 Beast Boy is around 16 or so, he can legally ride a moped which requires a driver's license that in the States you can only obtain at the age of 16 at minimum. The Titans follow the law pretty close to the letter, laws against Vigilantism notwithstanding of course but then no show, so BB breaking the law to illegally ride a moped is not likely given his personality and upbringing...

[@losingmymind611]

​@@Luxord5294Incorrect, he is canonically 13-14.

[@charlottewalnut3118]

@@Luxord5294 To be fair, he is a superhero they might make exceptions for him or just be afraid to try to arrest him because you know he can rip you to pieces

[@Luxord5294]

@@losingmymind611 Canonically for this series or for the comics? This show takes place in its own continuity that differs either slightly or radically depending on which comic series it's based from. For example, no Wonder Girl, Jericho, or Kid Devil in the team.

[@seanmcmahon9946]

Technically Beast-Boy is a vegan, but that concept didn’t really exist back when this episode aired so every time they needed to refer to it, they just say vegetarian

[@amandasmith593]

It did, it just wasn't nearly as well known. Most of the audience wouldn't have been familiar with the term. It really started gaining traction a couple years after the show ended.

[@scorpioneldar]

​@@amandasmith593 guys veganism has not only been a named this specific thing longer than my parents have been alive but a well known thing to. the term itself was coined to describe a well known lifestyle 1944 and the overall concept in Europe can be traced back to the early 1600's (with it emigrating to the Americas along with the Europeans as it was pretty popular in the more extreme religious communities). in the Arab world the earliest known proponent of what we would now consider veganism was the athiest Al-Ma'arri in the late 8th to early 9th centuries (he lived from 973 -1057) just because you or I weren't aware of it as kids doesn't mean it didn't exist nor does it mean it wasn't well known. we aren't the protagonists of the world. (hell my mom lived in san-fransisco for a while and often ate at vegan places over 50 years ago because those places tended to have a lot of gluten free stuff... and no the gluten free diet isn't new either and it was a known treatment for Celiac disease all the way back in the 1890's with the disease itself being discovered in 1887. though it isn't quite so old celiac disease was well known .still people have been mocking gluten free diets since ww2 as well though it did become a popular fad pretty close to the turn of the 21st century. good for me and mom too as we have Celiac so more companies catering to a larger market means more stuff we can actually eat. )

[@FB-nw8pp]

Beastboy does eat pizza so he is not a vegan. Vegans don't eat cheese.

[@kalvinbaxter6125]

@@FB-nw8ppvegans do eat pizza but they have vegan substitutes for cheese

[@adrianawilliams4810]

@@kalvinbaxter6125Yeah but beast boy and the titans usually eat it together so I doubt it’s a vegan option or alternative simply because I doubt beast boy would force the others to conform to a lifestyle he uses purely because of his powers and abilities.

[@tubby1833]

Great message from this episode. You need a good monster to keep the bad monsters away. Someone who is gentle but can still stand their ground. Thank you for making this video.

[@firemiracle]

Exactly. It's good being kind, but sometimes when someone cruel tries to hurt you or others, that's when you must fight back in order to protect yourself and others.

[@killer13324]

a peaceful man is one who is capable of great violence, but keeps it in check. A dangerous man is one who is capable of great violence, but lacks restraint. A harmless man is one who claims to be peaceful but is not capable of violence at all.

[@AtomicF0x]

"Talk softly, but carry a big stick."

[@simonpetrikov3992]

@@AtomicF0xteddy was such a great guy

[@chidoman1595]

Someone strong enough to stand up for others and strong enough to be gentle.

[@Haley_Halo]

I remember that heart-to-heart between Raven and Beast Boy as an early teen and was shocked that it portrayed something typically shameful (this sort of uncontrolled rage) as potentially useful and good. Even if the message of what it means to be a man didn't apply to me directly, I still understood the concept of fiercely protecting loved ones. That scene felt so impactful, like it existed on a higher level.

[@ToHoldNothing]

And it parallels for both of them: not unlike a similar, but distinct link made for Raven and Damian Wayne: both have relatives with expectations for them they refuse to follow after considering that they don't want to be villains, they want to help people. In Raven and BEast Boy's case, it's maybe a bit more of a stretch, but they both have a dark side to them that if left uncontrolled would be devastating

[@TheCommenterDragon]

This is one of my favorite Beast Boy episodes! Especially because it's proof that everyone has their inner beast inside them. Especially a boy who can turn into literally any kind of animal known to man as well as alien animals.

[@DirtHutCaver]

It's you again! I see your comments in a lot of videos. Cool dragon pfp, by the way. :)

[@SuperSaiyanD48]

That moment when your realize tbis episode was essentially two hormonal boys fighting over Raven.

[@TheCommenterDragon]

@@DirtHutCaver Meh, Nope not really.

[@theponyofglory8545]

@@DirtHutCaver Did you really have to say that I'd like to know?

[@DirtHutCaver]

@@theponyofglory8545 ... I wasn't replying to you, though. Lol 😅 I just thought it was kinda funny that I keep seeing the same person's comments on different videos.

[@StygianStyx]

Cyborg can control how hard his cannon hits with power levels, he doesn't want to hit them because hes just that nice of a guy and has restraint/good morals. He really cares for his friends and doesn't want to jeopardize their relationship in a physical way.

[@StygianStyx]

Thinking about it he was actually like Co-Leader of the Teen Titans in the show with all the stuff he did.

[@tenshio]

Man, you're making me miss the OG Teen Titans cartoon. It had great story, interesting characters and good messages. I might have to re-watch it some day.

[@comicrandomness3289]

It's pretty much e for everyone. It's a kids show that adults can enjoy. Out of anything it's more for adults.

[@TheSuperCasual2914]

Shady: I'm a MAN! Robin: *Batman Stare-down* Shady: Umm yes sir...

[@thehillz726]

I always assumed cyborg not shooting his friends was more of a moral line he didn't wanna cross rather than raw power of the gun.

[@Ex4lted_]

He's powered by a mother box that cannon packs a punch 😂

[@CosmicDuskWolf]

I just thought Adonis was more of a frat boy or gym bro than a Chad. This episode always show cased more of how mental stability can affect someone, the good of the other members, and how chemicals can affect the mind. Not so much of toxic masculinity.

[@dravenocklost4253]

That's a good point, about the mental stability of a person in TT.

[@Gojiro7]

Frat boy lines up better with the 2000's, giga chads didn't enter the *Zeitgeist until later

[@KairuHakubi]

I don't understand the difference at all...

[@1faithchick7]

The traits he showed because of those chemicals were textbook toxic masculinity though.

[@Gojiro7]

@@bruhbruh-us6gl noted and fixed

[@MasterAnubis7]

Knowing when to let the beast out is what makes you a man-a much deeper thought than one would normally expect from a cartoon.

[@slurpingmario8006]

“Is his power that he can become any animal even if it doesn’t exist” Yes, the comics show this actually, sadly most other things don’t

[@TheSingingFoxy]

Masculinity was a pretty interesting take away from this episode. I saw this more as a metaphor for Beast Boy going through puberty, experiencing new intenser emotions that can make you lash out over small things. The symbolism is kinda all over the episode, with beast boy physically changing (into something he doesn’t usually change into of course) and even what he says at the end about being called Beast Man. That’s just my take away at least.

[@patrickbuckley7259]

That's the funny part, it can easily be both. The idea of "toxic masculinity" origionated as a way to describe immature masculinity, like you'd see in a young m,an still trying to figure out how to best channel his new found masculinity, and the many toxic behaviours he may form as he grows. The term still possesses great utility when used as such, rather than abused to try and demonize masculinity as a whole. It's meant to be used to help teach young men to best channel those innately male characteristics we start developing primarily around puberty (though which are present to some degree in childhood). That's the big miscommunication around the term, especially as it got hijacked by certain people to demonize even healthy masculine behavior like regulating your emotions. Ironically making it a term used to promote actual toxic masculinity.

[@airacummins5076]

​@patrickbuckley7259 kinda like how more people are getting killed by elephants cause older males arnt around to force them to chill out?

[@fightingmedialounge519]

@@patrickbuckley7259 that's not actually where the term toxic masculinity originated from. It's initial purpose was to help identify people who use the idea of being man as an excuse to be an awful one.

[@fightingmedialounge519]

The puberty metaphor has a few issues with it.

[@foisopracurtir6389]

@@fightingmedialounge519 It's the same thing. "trying to figure out how to best channel his new found masculinity, *and the many toxic behaviours he may form as he grows."* Fail in the former + mistake the latter as *being* the former = awful man

[@MatsuyoRific]

The funny thing is that Adonis and BB are both voiced by Greg Cipes, showing the duality between the two characters. They are (normally) the exact opposite of each other, but in this episode they are mirror images

[@asalways1504]

If you have to tear someone down in order to build yourself up, you’re not empowered.

[@michaelmurray8134]

As a kid, I didn't really understand much about this episode. But after rewatching it a few times, I can actually relate to beast boy in this. There was a time when I felt like the slightest tease or insult could set me off. Also, I can't help but feel like Robin was doing this all wrong. He was way too pushy and was actually adding fuel to Beast Boys Fire, and felt like he was really going to take him out without even trying to talk him down. I know Robin was just following standard procedure when dealing with a threat, but this was one of the episodes when he channeled his inner batman something that he actually dislikes.

[@erikthomsen4768]

You could say that this is Robin's darker side showing through. A dark knight to be exact.

[@marley7868]

people do theorize robin did that specifically to rile him up and solve the issue which I will say is in character for him

[@shaninejackman9395]

honestly i’ve always loved this episode growing up cause of his new animal-design. Always thought it looked cool asf

[@um2913]

Raven if anyone would understand how beast boy feels about “the monster within”. On top of toxic masculinity I think this is a perfect episode as a symbol of anger issues as well.

[@furthestcloud]

is your pfp that myspace emo dude Alex Evans 😭😭

[@um2913]

@@furthestcloud lol yes 🤣 it’s such an old pic I’ve had it for so long

[@RotaAbyssian]

I can relate overly well with that interpretation. There was a period in my life when I got so angry that I blacked out and had to be told later what I had done. It terrified me to the point where, to this day, any conflict based adrenaline rush makes my body shake and I get nauseous.

[@StevenDolce]

This episode premiered on CN 19 years ago today.

[@Drunken_Monke]

Damn I feel old

[@beatziegraham6928]

@@Drunken_Monkesame!

[@Warhead_235]

Wow I remember when this aired. Looking back when I see these I always thought these things are rare or might to be funny but what if it’s like a warning for the future

[@sriana5136]

12:06 Something that caught my attention was the physique differences between the Mech Adonis vs the non-chemmed Adonis. How one was the "Ideal" version of masculinity and the other just a normal dude. His actual build looks similar to Beastboy, so when Adonis was making fun of him earlier it could have been a projection of his own insecurity. Adonis is a version of Beastboy without emotional support, and an example of how an overinflated distortion of ONE definition of "Ideal" masculinity (ex: muscles, tall, inflated ego, assertive, intimidating) can do so much damage. The pursuit of being "desirable" gets clouded so much by an expectation that you actually become the opposite, because as Raven mentions, you forget about responsibility and empathy. Now this toxicity can definitely apply to femininity too, but I thought it was a neat little detail that creators put in there

[@CompletelyNewguy]

I just got it, the chemicals beastboy were sprayed with during the fight could actually be a metaphor for testosterone.

[@andrewshearsby8125]

Loved it how Beast Boy protected Raven from Adonis

[@EmpyreanRagnarok]

8:24 I think it's more likely that, since the chemicals clearly are screwing with his mind, he may not be fully aware of his actions over the previous day, and seeing Raven like that brought him back to his senses temporarily.

[@paperfox19]

maybe the titans heard the roar but just thought it was beast boy throwing a tantrum, he was breaking stuff earlier so maybe the idea was to let him roar it out and get it out of his system and let him calm down before checking on him after what he was doing earlier. but hearing raven scream was an "oh crap" moment

[@SeseOB2003]

This episode stuck out for me in the TT episodes I watched when I was a child, as beast boy’s shift from comedic goofball to rage-filled danger was such a shock to me and kept my attention throughout the episode. Also, I get what you mean about how this episode connects to toxic masculinity, that specifically stuck out to me when I watch this episode when I was much younger. Overall, a great episode.

[@tytheaniman497]

This episode is my favorite in the entire series. Beast Boy becoming more masculine due to chemicals and his own feelings is very creative. Then realizing he could’ve hurt Raven made him come back out of it. You can really hear the guilt and hurt in his voice. And then at the end when him and Raven were talking, “Knowing when to let it out is what makes you a man”, that was fucking GOLDEN. Beast Boy is my favorite Titan and I can actually kind of relate to him.

[@YourDapper1]

Gotta love the teen titans vids after many many years of the show being cancelled

[@dannyhernandez265]

The OG titans are better than anything Cartoon Network can put out now.

[@KodyCrimson]

What'd be a really cool episode of your Teen Titans series would be covering whatever episode you consider the worst and why. And then maybe likewise with the best in the same video. And thank you SO MUCH for being someone else to say that being masculine is not toxic. So many people nowadays treat being manly/masculine as inherently toxic.

[@misfits9294]

Toxic masculinity is the aspects of masculinity that are toxic, I don't think anyone actually means it as masculinity being toxic, most people arguing against toxic masculinity, from my experience, are actually completely normal the meaning is just twisted by people.

[@shawnwarrynn8609]

​@@misfits9294 Yes, there are and ironically or hypocritical at they are also responsible and at fault for being Toxic Masculine themselves. Seriously, take a look at many of the women, feminist and SJWS and you'll start to see them exhibiting toxic masculine traits more so than men!

[@camerongladwell7217]

I'm a simple man. I see Shady post about Teen Titans, and I click immediately to watch.

[@AlSidre]

Same mate same.

[@Undomaranel]

Woman here. Shady don't discriminate. He posts, I enjoy another take on the classics.

[@bananapanda9805]

I demand we all point and laugh at Adonis’s outfit, mainly the dancing peds

[@kieferrea4819]

One of my favorite things of the original show is the way they truly show Robin is a leader. They all joke around with him and he's their friend but when shit gets serious and he starts giving orders, they actually respect him. Though they're not so afraid of him that they wont call out his OWN bullshit, it's still refreshing to see him actually be a leader. Not at all related to the video just thought it was cool

[@wafagdplqs4421]

It's always a pleasure to hear talk about this amazing show !

[@LadyLeomon]

Shady has gifted us with a non-spoopy Teen Titans video and I LOVE IT 😆😆😆 Thanks for the great video Shady and hug your furbabies all 💙🐱💙

[@veronicapiccinini7956]

Honestly, i liked this episode. It's always a welcoming breath of fresh air to see a generally nice character going bunker for some reason. It's more fun than a flawless one

[@jamessullivan9048]

9:09 I thought the joke was gonna be "What you gonna do? I took down Raven, you think I'm-Oh Darn It!" but the one you did was funier. Great review.

[@MegaManDBZX]

Beastboy actually changed in to a Dragon in the comics. Don’t think I wasn’t pissed when he didn’t pull that out when another Dragon was making moves on his girl. Also I still don’t why Gar doesn’t go by Changeling anymore.

[@francostevo9939]

A girl bullied me and smacked me around back in school and despite that, I still felt the need to help her or pick up her books whenever she dropped them.

[@elizabethescalante8114]

I'm sorry. But why would you help the little bitch?!

[@austinborden5667]

That seems like she bullied you into doing stuff for her

[@ThisisKyle]

Why though?

[@murderman8578]

She made you her b1tch

[@matthewrooke819]

You never help a bully

[@stevenwoods5787]

that line from raven, about having that monster inside you and knowing when to let it out, is straight out the book of jordan peterson. yes i know this was decades before he even showed up on the scene, but peterson has hit on that many times

[@JDWalker495]

As far as i remember beast boys powers complete shape shifting that allows him to transform into any none sentient organsism hes seen before. These include animals, microbes, aliens, and demons.

[@sp00kyg1rl]

“Why can’t you obsess over something normal, like the Roman Empire?” LMAO not me being obsessed with both true crime podcasts and Ancient History 😂

[@fercainlowpmit3741]

I feel like Shady has hit gold since recently. He's giving everything amazing. I love his work.

[@Zekrel]

I knew that you’d review this episode for Beast Boy and I’m so happy! This is one my top five favorite episodes. I love how they show the differences between different types of masculinity in this episode, how it can be used in a positive way and negative way. I also love the interactions between BB and Raven in this episode and how their friendship develops by the end.

[@CommanderSteelTrap]

As Beast Boy lives in the DC Universe, mythical creatures do exist and he can in fact turn into them. Meaning he can canonically turn into animals, extinct animals, alien animals, mythical creatures and demons.

[@damianmorningstar3150]

I liked the touch after the first fight at the chemical plant that when Beastboy walks past the Wolf in the cage the wolf goes from snarling and growling to whimpering and submissive as if it felt Bestboy's more assertive side when normally Animals don't really treat Bestboy like that when he is around normally, I think it was hinting at the change before we got to see it.

[@paytondelaney8316]

When I first saw the episode, I actually understood Beast Boy. He had been treated like a punching bag in the team. All those emotions bottled up and now burst out. The way how robin and other handle him show how little respect they have but it is true that beast boy lost control of the form but yea they really should figured out the outburst and mood swings came from the chemicals.

[@JacobKaiju]

Another thing I like is in a future episode where the Titans defend Raven from Trigon's army, Beast Boy transforms into the werewolf form willing to take out some of the enemies, meaning he has accepted the beast within

[@geistgrace6452]

Regarding the whole egg thing, I think it'd still be weird for Beastboy to eat eggs /drink milk. Especially the latter. So while he may not be Vegan, he still probably has his vegetarian list expanded a bit further than it usually would be.

[@kidprime6863]

You would think for a kid who can turn into any herbivore and carnivore in the animal kingdom, he'd be an omnivore.

[@amandasmith593]

@@kidprime6863 if he were more of an animorphs type shifter, experiencing the instincts of the animals he becomes, I'd agree. But it doesn't seem like that happens to BB. From what we see in the show, when he changes he's still a (mostly) human kid in an animal's body. I don't think he gets that non-human POV out of his power.

[@phantomknightpercival120]

The dude made tofu eggs

[@simonpetrikov3992]

@user-gt7vi9jm9mI would have assumed it’s out of a moral reason because since he can transform into the animals he’s eating it would feel like cannibalism to him

[@Nameless82284]

Beast Boy says he's a vegetarian but he's a vegan since he doesn't eat all animal products, not just the meat. He eats tofu eggs and drinks soy milk. Which makes sense too because eggs are like periods to him, and milk is like human breast milk to him

[@operaanimelover369]

"The Beast Within" has been one of my all-time favorite episodes since I was a 13-year-old in the seventh grade. It resonated with me because of its message about what growing into a man means. It's about protecting your friends and family from harm and honoring your loyalty and duty to those you care for. I did feel compassion for Beastboy because he was always the comedic relief who had multiple hidden depths. When he was pushed by Adonis for not fighting like a man, he got triggered and ferociously attacked him before being doused with chemicals from the animal testing laboratory. That particular scene is etched in my mind for how high-octane and tense it was, especially the image of animals being set up for testing. Then the chemicals messed with his attitude and he started acting mean toward his found family, considering that he hated being trivialized just because he was known for his jolly hilarity. It even got bad between him and Raven because she was always annoyed with his antics and would tend to make snide comments about him or just give him a good knockout. I could ramble on why I love this episode so much, but I would be here all day. I just want to state that Beastboy had all my compassion and understanding when he was pushed to his limit because his hidden depths as a combatant and an individual can never be underestimated. Therefore, despite all the shit he did when he was under the chemical's influence, I still felt bad for him.

[@classicrockkid345]

The name of the villain actually makes sense when you know who Adonis(in greek mythos) is. Adonos is over confident while having the ability to back it up. He is the epitome of egotism.

[@adrivoid5376]

This was one of my fave eps as a kid, as a beast boy stan. I think its just an interesting play to do with his sort of powers, bc it always does create a question for me about instincts and connection to feeling ‘human’. And he as a chara only got a few moments of stronger development noncomic action- but when he did he real did

[@procow2274]

I like how this show actually retained things that happened in the past and everything isn't in a bubble. They revisit these new abilities the titans gained in the future

[@FinalQueue007]

5:36 I imagine just Raven looking up at him thinking "Boy, you dont want this smoke"

[@Totavier]

3:51 Well to be fair back then (90's and early 2000's) the concept or word of "vegan" I think it didn't existed yet, I personally knew the concept around the 2010's on social media. Similar thing happened in one of the old episodes from The Simpsons when Lisa turned in vegetarian, Apu mentioned that he was a "vegetarian" but he also mentioned that didn't ate anything that comes from a animal (cheese, eggs, milk, etc...) and he never mentioned the word vegan but a vegetarian.

[@Hifuutorian]

Vegan existed, it just wasn't widespread.

[@powersurge_beast]

2:55 YES! In the comics he's made things up! He could get a coach or something and come up with a KRYPTONIAN POLAR BEAR but he stays so underused...

[@powersurge_beast]

Realistically, he could wipe the rest of the titans if he ACTUALLY trained

[@alexisislas-gonzalez5991]

He can combines animals too Heck he can cheat, and become the smartest being on the planet. With the most notable feat was a recent event that started when beast boy became a starro

[@kaycings9844]

“IS ROBIN GOING TO EAT A WHOLE HAM BY HIMSELF oh wait teenager that tracks”

[@dirkauditore8413]

I mean he must require an insane amount of calories with the amount of physical activity he does daily.

[@ThisismineIguess]

There are many, many women attracted to serial killers, rapists, abusers, etc etc. The "I can fix him" and danger mentality runs strong in many of 'em. Happens in men too, of course(crazy goth chicks are popular for a reason) but it can get really wild with women. Not too many men find female serial killers/murderers attractive, it's kinda lopsided.

[@shadywiskerz]

There’s definitely a lot of men who find women serial killers/murderers or just dangerous women in general attractive 😂. I don’t think I know a single woman who’s attracted to a rapist or abuser but I know several dudes who wanna get the actual shit kicked out of them by Amanda Stanton

[@angrytheclown801]

​@@shadywiskerzPerhaps not, but it's not men marrying serial killers in lockup.

[@shadywiskerz]

@@angrytheclown801 You’re definitely right. but I think it’s because men and women typically have different needs. Most women value protection that comes with dangerous men and I think most men like excitement or a good time from dangerous women.

[@angrytheclown801]

@@shadywiskerz You are absolutely right. I'm sure I have some scars in places I can't see due to some of my crazy fun chicks

[@seg162]

I'd be more inclined to use the popularity of the "yandere" trope as a close male cognate for what you're talking about. It's not even completely restricted to fiction (there was that one Yuka Takaoka). Though, it's all different between men and women (except for one case, which I'll say later). Women generally would like their men to be capable of providing a sense of security in many cases that's interpreted as (among other things) being able to inflict violence onto others for their sake and their protection, which may be interpreted as treating them (the women) as "precious"-- the desire is normal, but hybristophilic women (the ones you initially describe) take it to abnormal heights with the men they seek. Men interested in similarly "crazy" women also want the sense that they're enthusiastically and unambiguously wanted by the woman. I think the only case where men and women are similar is with ra[p](e). Nobody wanted to be r(a)p[e]d per se-- they may just be _very_ open to having sex with someone they're already interested in, and desire that such person be even more willing to have sex with them. For women, especially, there's the added "advantage" of being able to bear less burden of mind (for whatever reasons, internal or external-by-way-of-culture) should the sexual act be done _to_ them rather than them mutually engaging in the act. Everything breaks down when the fetish becomes realized, though. I imagine most female hybristophiles and most men into "crazy" women would at least develop a massive amount of nuance should they get anywhere close to seeing their fantasies become reality. The rest genuinely have mental issues.

[@TheKnocturne]

11:27 "mom said it's my turn to fight the monster"

[@xx4444xxDOTexe]

I love how beast boy plays tough when robin squares up and tries to leave as if he was in charge knowing damn well robin would have floored him

[@Hinatazuki]

9:48 while I do think Robin needs to put Beast Boy in the most secure location he can, I think his intention was “sooner or later, he might attack again and it might go past the restraints we have right now, so we have to know what happened and how to stop it asap”.

[@comicfan1324]

9:06 I love hell, even though beast boy just proved that he could beat Raven (even though, let’s be honest, she was pulling her punches) Robin is still able to get him to shut up. Dick really was trained by Batman.

[@jamestolbert1856]

11:18 they did the same thing in Dan vs Canada! I loved that joke!

[@ShackleYT]

I really hope you cover my favorite episode of this show; Revolution. It's a great episode, showing the titans without robin coming together to overcome a foe, and unlike the first episode, robin doesn't magically reappear to lead them to victory. but more than that, it shows the difference between voting and compromise. and i love it

[@SpammytheHedgehog]

This was the episode that Beast Boy went Beast Mode.

[@MegasMan10]

I mean, the Sonic cannon has been shown to at least have gun strength, and i think at least that justifies being hesitant to use It against friends

[@CaptainCretaceous91]

I love you for mentioning Chiro. SRMTHFG is so underrated to say the least.

[@MagusDouken]

I still got to say one of my favorite TT episodes is the Puppet King when Starfire and Raven switch bodies and have to deal with each other's abilities and how they are handled.

[@memebrain2177]

Indeed

[@allstarwoo4]

I remember this as one of my favorite episodes because it kind of showed how strong beast boy could be if he wanted to or was allowed. It's kind of a shame beast boy is treated like a side character in DC.

[@jdenoe69]

There is no toxic masculinity. It's called acting like an overconfident jerk and alienating your friends and loved ones in the process.

[@HelloHuman1]

I think that’s what toxic masculinity implies? To be fair, it’s a little hard to narrow down an exact definition though because competing sources have different takes on it.

[@Ratface0007]

@@HelloHuman1 Those are hardly behaviors exclusive to men.

[@PeytonianYT]

The title is a pun. Toxic as in the toxins from the beginning and masculinity as in the stereotyped masculine form that beast boy turns into

[@blackfox4138]

@@Ratface0007 masculinity doesn't mean "men." Masculinity and femininity are societal definitions. Masculinity implies traits such as confidence, abrasiveness, courage, and toughness. Now whether or not these specific traits *should* be labeled as masculine is another conversation all together. But both men and women are capable of displaying masculine traits, and these traits can be toxic should you demonstrate them in a way that negatively affects others.

[@despinasgarden.4100]

​@@HelloHuman1the two kinda go hand to hand. I mean toxic masculinity pretty munch includes being an asshole to people based on their sex/gender and sexual orientation. At least it does if you think being an idiot makes you look more masculine.

[@Eye_Of_Odin978]

9:22 Lol yeah Shady, they really do. Comic book radiation is way cooler than real radiation. Although it's funny to note that this story trope wasn't originally from superhero comics. It was actually adapted into superhero comics (largely during the late 50's to 70's) because Sci-Fi books, movies, and even sci-fi comics had started to use the "radiation is basically magic" trope a lot after the recent development and infamy of nuclear power. It was all mostly caused by the success of the Manhattan Project and subsequent development of other nuclear powered nations and companies in the world so, culturally, a lot of the public were focused on radiation and what could possibly happen with it. A bunch superhero comic writers took heavy inspiration from early 50's era sci-fi so, there you go. The cliché's influence lessened but remained a cornerstone of sci-fi and comic books even today. You can even see my point in other things besides comics, like Fallout. I'll tell you right now, I'm not a nuclear physicist, but massive amounts of radiation doesn't make you immortal with the downside of your skin coming off like a Ghoul. Your cells begin to hemorrhage and you die. Edit: Also Beast Boy does have a name for himself when he's an adult. When he leaves the TT as an adult in the comics, he eventually calls himself *"Manimal"* so he's good

[@JDWalker495]

11:12 Blud thinks hes part of the team 😂

[@thatotherguy4245]

Great analysis and it really made me think about the issues you mentioned (dealing with anger, trying to justify behavior, etc). I really had no idea you could get this much out of a kids cartoon.

[@SketchyRat]

12:35 I think I saw in the comics that Raven’s death would trigger Trigon’s arrival sooner since her human body is stopping her evil soul from summoning him.

[@paperfox19]

loved the topic in this very well said, mileage may vary, every situation is different but personally being open and honest with someone is the best way to spot red flag behaviour

[@andrewlassen7430]

Oh joy. The Judas contract. I have to wonder if it's gonna be the special 2 parter, the epilogue episode where she's miraculously revived, or the initial episode of her introduction, or a combination. I don't want to wait. Excited to see how that episode goes.

[@dresdenlancer9012]

When Beast Boy says "I would never..." it isn’t supposed to be interpreted in the context of just this episode. It's his overall character from the whole series (that has a sort of crush on Raven) that wouldnt hurt her like that. It's reinforcing the "something is wrong" moment, but giving *him* the awareness of it as well.

[@OneColdRepublican]

That scene where Robin is grilling Beast Boy to remember spooked me as a kid. This was my favorite character who's now in a really serious situation and the added "Jail" line glued me to the T.V. "They wouldn't really send Beast Boy to jail....right?" Kid me couldn't comprehend such an outcome.

[@princessmarlena1359]

Nobody’s perfect. But learning from your mistakes makes you better. Making excuses for them, blaming others for them, hiding them, makes you a fool. Saying or even believing you “never make mistakes” makes you a liar and a narcissist.

[@christopherballero866]

Robin more than most should really know how worrisome chemicals can be as many of his Batman enemies were created by chemical accidents. This was a great episode though too bad Beast Boy had very few character episodes would've been cool if Beast Boy could've turned into a raging beast but only used it in big situations like against Trigon. I know Beast Boy got Terra episodes and Season 5 but he was almost always played for comedy

[@Jonthekiller9]

True masculinity, the stoic protective willing to throw hands only if necessary masculinity is what society needs to understand is important and not toxic like most people want to claim

[@t3hp0larbear]

I have gotten into many arguments with people on this topic who regard the phrase "toxic masculinity" as a thought-terminating cliche and immediately jump to the assumption that I'm in the crowd that assumes everything masculine is verboten. I'm glad to see Shady not just bring up the topic itself but also that exact problem with the discourse and talk about it.

[@ToHoldNothing]

Not sure the misuse means the term is as simple as some make it or that there isn't a proper usage, especially if we dig deeper. The origin appears to be in a context with regards to men confronting damaging behaviors, especially in the way of the Vietnam War and the harm it caused to men's psyches

[@InkyBlitz]

The term is modern newspeak. Basically, it just exists to denigrate men. People ought to just use different, better fitting words tbh.

[@ToHoldNothing]

@@InkyBlitz Is it that hard to understand a qualifier is not the same as the broad strokes you want it to be so you can feel like a victim in a society that dares to challenge the idea that men should always be central?

[@InkyBlitz]

@@ToHoldNothing Your emotional word salad does not contradict the popularization of this kind of rhetoric or purpose for it. This has its roots in the radical New Left (read: descendents of Western Marxist intellectuals) and wasn't used at all until the insane notion of "challenging men's position in society" (read: natural biological functions) came around.

[@ToHoldNothing]

@@InkyBlitz And your dismissive rhetoric isn't a substitute for actual argument Got any more alt right bingo spaces? Toxic masculinity has roots in the 80s from men who were challenging ideas you seem to want to either pretend don't exist or somehow need language that considers your fragile ego

[@Son.D.Lollipop]

I always loved the fact that even tho robin is a normal human he could beat the whole team if he wanted or needed too and that’s kept though out continuities

[@ShadyDoorags]

Actually, a lot of people feel DC cartoons of the last decade have done a massive disservice to Grayson.

[@Son.D.Lollipop]

@@ShadyDoorags the animated movies I agree. They definitely chose Damian over Dick

[@digimonalvatrax2738]

I keep forgetting how freakishly agile and flexible he is

[@BioHunter1990]

That line about knowing when to let out that beast being what makes a man is a phenomenal line. The difference between a boy and a man is that a man has learned to control the instinct for violence. A boy is still learning this