The Men of TOP BOY and the Pressures of Masculinity | Netflix

Writer, journalist and storyteller Aniefiok Ekpoudom (@AniefiokEkp) explores how TOP BOY touches on the themes of masculinity through the imagery, storylines and male characters of the show.
See more from Aniefiok: aniefiokekpoudom.com/
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[@TheNaz1996]

Jamie was my favourite character in this season, fully rated him. But the whole cast did an amazing job .... best season yet

[@theimposter2210]

yh same

[@ma2443]

jaime is as much as people might hate him relatable, i as a big brother relate to the guy a lot in the series, thats why i like the character so much at least

[@razrgaming4937]

Naz Islam trussssssssss

[@codedontwrk1132]

@@ma2443 who hates him??

[@skengmanrammyfromthe9794]

@@codedontwrk1132 13 year old white girls lol

[@postman445]

He didn’t talk about Dris. That’s why he snitched Dushane and Sully out never got the respect he deserved

[@SuperRobertoClemente]

Dris' arc is the most haunting thing in the series, imo. The loss of his menace and physicality-- literally ground down by the life.

[@JYMAHJAMES]

they couldn't respect him after what he did to Marnie 🤧🤧

[@deathnova7596]

Dris was proper deadly in the first two seasons, they brought him everywhere to intimidate and he was usually the one killing people like kamale

[@marckalfian6645]

postman445 Dris snitched out Dushane and sully, because he took the bribe from Jermaine. Jermaine gave him the bribe, because he knows that Dris never got the respect he deserved.

[@zk-5125]

Dris ain't even death lol. yall saw he getting shot?

[@sophiaknowshair]

Dris struggled a lot too. He had the stroke and felt less than, and his friends did not make him feel better about it so he ended up betraying them to feel better. I like how it shows he took care of his daughter by himself, that is rarely highlighted in movies with black men. The show humanizes black men instead of showing this fictional glamorous drug dealer life. Great Job Top Boy Crew.

[@jaehutchinson7830]

In top boy summerhouse dris is evil so i didn't care when he died but then i felt bad

[@sophiaknowshair]

@@jaehutchinson7830 yea. He didn't care about anyone but still feel bad for his situation

[@user-ry5tw6hy6w]

this show is a knockoff HBOs the wire. if you appreciate it that much you'd love the original series which top boy stole many of its concepts and ideas from

[@truestorytyp]

@@jaehutchinson7830 Nah he was pretty nice in season 2

[@oelaty9116]

jae hutchinson nah he weren’t really, he chilled out in Season 2 because he was getting closer with his daughter

[@fionnanmcgoldrick3666]

Kit was the only man that Jamie could act himself around, underrated relationship

[@isaaccerenko1357]

He tried to Kill Ata

[@amicomps9522]

Isaac Cerenko because of what he did to Jamie and his family

[@suavecito6114]

Who tf is kit

[@fionnanmcgoldrick3666]

Suavecito the fat Donny that Jamie was friends w

[@juengkim2563]

The title of this movies pls

[@rorymacrae8985]

The boy who played Ats is phenomenal at acting for his age

[@Luca-iy3he]

Man, I really cried when Jamie said "I am your father, your mother and your brother" that was sooo fucking heart-warming

[@dannysakavuyi1587]

Childheaded households are a global reality, glad Top Boy shined a light on this

[@TheAlkebulanTrust]

Realest talk...and it's a problem that must be solved 👊🏿✊🏿

[@Officia1PTG]

That’s a fact, my dad left & I became the “Man of the Household” at the age of 12 & here I am age 20 still not knowing my purpose in life, this shit sucks

[@juansantos5292]

@@Officia1PTG I feel you bro my dad left when I was 14. Quick word of advice never feel afraid to show vulnerability especially when you are feeling down. I am 20 as well figuring out life as I go. Don't you worry about your purpose yet you're still young and your childhood was robbed. It will come to you as you go. Talking to yourself and being real with yourself helps! you got this

[@prenuptials5925]

@Tom B what a luke warm take lol

[@robbieomahony5741]

Scene of Aaron and Jamie hugging gave me goosebumps man

[@ql2381]

This guy definitely aced his GCSE English 😂😂😂

[@peeper2070]

Got that AO1 and 2

[@official_ibzzz162]

Its a question in media studies gcse 40marks describe the struggles of men in top boy and they give you a article to read

[@triplemoyagames4195]

I mean he is a writer bruv

[@alexhurst4529]

Greatest season of any show ever. Shit had me in tears last episode

[@user-oo1cf9xj4t]

nah when sully pulls up at dris’ door I was crying man

[@stefanlofven2986]

It was great but cmon, if you’re a grown man you shouldn’t be fucking crying at a tv show

[@TheKingOfGreatness]

Stefan Löfven fuck you

[@Farsan540]

@@stefanlofven2986 why? It just shows how good the show is and that you have empathy for the characters because they seem so real. What's wrong with him crying??

[@stefanlofven2986]

weinerRinkler Because a grown man shouldn’t cry that easily, if you do you’re clearly too sensitive and weak. We live in such a sensitive society filled with beta males and it’s embarrassing. Call it toxic masculinity, I don’t care, but a grown man should never cry because of a goddam TV-show.

[@hh4251]

This could straight be a GCSE question lol

[@abidislam77]

kotha kotha 40 marks

[@SI10379]

It should be

[@Unknown-ol2uh]

Imagine if schools taught kids things more relevant to modern life. I'm pretty sure kids would find English lessons a lot more interesting if they were analysing shows like Top Boy instead of plays like Macbeth every single year. They might actually learn something if they can relate to it and find it interesting. Could also help kids go down the right path as shows like Top Boy show the consequences of making bad choices.

[@jeffreyqiu3435]

lmao im writing an essay about the pressures of masculinity in macbeth jus like in this video. would much rather have top boy over macbeth any day still

[@fkz.9]

@@Unknown-ol2uh trustttt

[@garywright7109]

Kit was loyal to Jamie! Kit never asked Jamie any questions and stood by him! Jamie and Kit were definitely true friends!

[@dtr3954]

Fr

[@rasheemthebestfirstone3274]

Sorry what happened f dushane

[@senthan09]

Eesh this aged well

[@rodolforuiz4888]

Damn this didn't age well

[@djangounchained9387]

RIP

[@marckalfian6645]

Sully is my favorite character, he’s always been a real one, and has never put his daughter in danger, even though he did disappoint her. Dushane put his family in danger, by letting his cousin die, and ever since then, his mother didn’t want to see his face again. Dushane was selfish because his emotions and frustration wrecked havoc with his friends and mom. He wanted everything for himself, but claims to want everything for everyone. This is my opinion.

[@IxiaClover]

i agree, a few of my friends prefer dushane cos they said sully was an arse in the first 2 seasons, but when it comes down to it sully became a better person despite what he had been through, and dushane a worse person and more heartless

[@delmarwing4108]

@@IxiaClover yeah dushane has always looked out for himself. Sully became partners with dushane, and literally looked after him no matter what. Dushane was angry because lauryn told leyton about going to chris for money. That was a pride thing. He didnt care about leyton shooting at sully. Dickhead man.

[@delmarwing4108]

@@IxiaClover u can also just tell that dushane has been itching to call himself a leader. Sully is the real leader of the team. He looks out for others and knows when certain lines should not be crossed. Dushane just wants to be sugar.

[@ironside9670]

@@IxiaClover yea it was like they reversed roles

[@hazewolf8949]

@@delmarwing4108 yall forgot when in season 1 dushane killed a old dude that wanted sully dead, although sully in season 1 was not the same as in season 3

[@oneilmyles]

I had to stop myself from crying while watching this series but the crazy thing is this is our reality which makes it ever more sad, my heart bleeds for my brothers and I can't wait for the day, we all wake up and come to our senses.

[@AlThurayya7]

I have to say tho, if your body is tryna make expel some tears. Don't hold it in, let that shit out man. Tears aren't a sign of weakness, neither is vulnerability. It actually takes so much strength to bare your soul cos you know and are prepared for anyone to hurt you. It takes a lot. But yh our body is trying to release some sort of pain. If you don't let it out it builds up and eventually eats you up from the inside out. Trust me, it's a harsh lesson I've had to learn and I'm still tryna retrain my brain. Even as a female I feel the need to shut down crying, that's what our parents taught us and it's not socially acceptable, but I know it's even worse for guys. Hence this whole video. But yeah just wanted to say in light of the message of this video. We've gotta stop continuing these toxic cycles. Teaching out kids the same shit, so what they can end up just as broken as us.. Nahh we've gotta change these patterns. I feel like this is the purpose of this generation.

[@stopwaffling5986]

yh tears are what make u human

[@rockclimbingskills]

Top boy season 3 is a masterpiece. Well done to all involved. Im 37 and totally felt like it was aimed at a man of my age. Now. I would bun a spliff. But ill have a posh coffee instead. Cheers.

[@ariantheassasin206]

rory macpherson danm Dushane is also 36 in top boy

[@prenuptials5925]

Tea*

[@3emb724]

TopBoy Question [40 Marks]😂😂

[@abidislam77]

Song Plug🔌😅 golden star bruv

[@nikobellic5765]

How is the theme of masculinity shown through Top Boy? Use evidence to support your points. (40 marks)

[@MohsinKhan9]

What a well spoken man.

[@StumpyComedyAct]

Racist, what do you expect h I'll m to talk like?

[@quaytashon]

StumpyComedyAct Thank you ! I hate when people say that about my sons 😡😘

[@StumpyComedyAct]

@Regus Milner that compliment is usually reserved for young black males for several years because there is an unfortunate sterotype that black males are not "well spoken". So what is mean to be compliment just turns out to be an insult to "certain peoples" intelligence.

[@AK47_.]

@@StumpyComedyAct what a stupid comment. What has race or racism got to do with what was said.

[@mushfiquem]

Top Boy S03 is a master class in story telling and in building characters that people can never forget. Every character you see on the show, you somehow feel that you've known them for such a long time. The portrayls are real, dark, brooding and edgy! Big up to everyone involved with Top Boy!

[@daydaychyna]

I couldn't stand Sully in series 1 but since I've fallen in love with Sully' s story & how his character has grown. It was like he started off ruthless & uncaring & now cares so much. Going through what he did to Leon & how it affected his & Dushane relationship to basically adopting Jason (rip). I can't wait for season/series 4. I love this show. Love it!

[@rokiseydi9351]

you explained it so beautifully

[@juengkim2563]

What's the title of this movies pls

[@rubieiwunze5963]

@@juengkim2563 tv show

[@mirakworld434]

Top boy is heavy! Better than power! It has more texture to it and authenticity! I like how they dealt with different themes and didn’t just show the negative side of the young black male, it put everything into perspective. Good evaluation bro 👊🏾

[@IamtheCitizen1110]

Mirak World Season 6 of power has just become a joke. The writing is shocking now

[@mirakworld434]

@The Citizen you know this! No mother is going to happily let her son shot drugs! The stories are getting silly and they’re regurgitating the same plots! It’s losing its direction Lol

[@IamtheCitizen1110]

@@mirakworld434 Exactly. And how many things happened this season? There's way too many different stories that happened in just this one season. Episode 9 was the joke of them all. The show peaked at season 1-3

[@IamtheCitizen1110]

@@mirakworld434 Also, l feel like the show went downhill after they cut off so many interesting characters who kept the show fresh like Kanan, Greg Knox (even though I hated him), Angela, Joe Proctor, Mak (lawyer) etc. Even the old drug cartels were better, Jason is/was hardly frightening for Ghost and Tommy.

[@mirakworld434]

@The Citizen yep all the best characters gone! And I heard they are not ending at this series and doing more 🤦🏾‍♂️ apparently there will be spin off back stories on ghost and Tommy and I think Mary j blige will be joining the cast.

[@NebulaVisuals]

THIS is the deep dive that Top Boy deserves! Big up Neef!

[@fasthracing]

Great review. I found the programme gripping and I speak as a 55 year old white guy. (not that should matter) it really did show people just how tough life can be. Living and dying on the streets. Hope there is another series.

[@Prod_by_Svengali]

I hope you watched the previous seasons in proper order?

[@fasthracing]

Think so yes.

[@victorblackley8372]

Wouldn't Last of the Summer Wine be more your cup o' tea, granddad?

[@fasthracing]

Nah. It was shite.

[@fasthracing]

Thats very true.

[@OshawaStateOfMind]

That scene warmed my heart where sully was chasing around gem and Jason

[@BritishCookie]

Cared about Jamie way more than any other character in the show. Should have made it about him

[@prenuptials5925]

I took that it was about him, I mean out of all the characters he had the most screen time along Dushane and Sully

[@banga6419]

The thing with topboy is it's really what's happening it's real. Not just some made up story out of know here. Kids and people are going through this type of shit.

[@Passionatelycurious91]

I am deeply touched by this analysis. Top Boy is a masterpiece that centers black men in their most natural state - surviving. Having to conquer not only for power but for love and protection. I love how human all the characters are. How complex this ‘roadman’ life is, and how they evolve as they learn to navigate it all. How blessed are we to get such quality tv

[@seanjones2524]

This is the bare truth. We talk about male mental health yet all people can do is constantly mention 'toxic masculinity' and tell guys to open up, ignoring the pressures society itself places on the shoulders of men from a young age.

[@martinebonita2658]

Those societal pressures you're talking about *is* toxic masculinity. That's why the video is titled what it is.

[@dylancheema7642]

@@martinebonita2658 When they talk about "toxic masculinity" I've never heard them speak on broken homes and becoming the man of the house at a young age. On the other hand I have heard these problems talked about by people who appreciate masculinity

[@14sgpde91]

I miss jason mann 😔 all he ever wanted was suttin 😔

[@frizbee12]

Top Boy is such a deep show with so much character development and hidden meaninings and themes

[@abduahmed4518]

Jamie my favourite character I hope he'll come on the top in the game.

[@Etm730]

Bro when tf is the next season coming on

[@professionalb2550]

2020 September

[@unknownrealist5374]

Volt jolt 2020 bro it’s every year from now on

[@floydmayweather5469]

2023

[@so1667]

We dont know Yet

[@Tezah]

2100

[@andrewfarrell2998]

Jason was the saddest death no cap

[@xeniakanza9624]

And Michaels

[@commander_1222]

nah, the saddest death was Dris imo 😢

[@prenuptials5925]

Boy had no luck in life 😭

[@thatonedude8197]

Aaron:”you’re not my father” Jamie: “yes i am.” Me n my babysister every few months lol

[@ashontysimons1714]

Damn this guys explanation/narration was just bomb can you do some english lit for GCSE or something lol😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ChurTrain]

When i found this show in 2016, i rewatched it over and over again waiting for season 3.. finally came and i’m dying again for season 4 for fuccck sake.

[@floydthomas7383]

Sully losing Jason like that caused him to have depression he was like sonny to Jason and Jason was calogero to sully

[@endlesstime6701]

Seeing the scenes of sully laughing, Jamie crying Dushane corrupted with emotionless Genuinely hurts me to the core, to think that Jamie had all of his pains held up, then the final bits made him topple over and bawl out in front of one of his bestest friends. Seeeing sully laugh like he was in a playground, one of the only times he’s seen and experienced joy in his empty life of a “man”. going to cry now man.

[@ForeignScammer]

Dushanbe also faces scrutiny of not having a child and family. I feel like this will continue into season 4.

[@simplejames9874]

Messed up when jason died tho that shit hit hard man never got lucky

[@jaydontoft2244]

This is an amazing insight into the minds of men that need to be shown to the world. Just because your a man doesn’t mean you can’t have a moment of sadness and cry

[@9525joe]

Amazing video!!! Well done to this man breaking it down and put words to all that we saw and felt during this latest season.

[@ericnwachukwu]

This is a great analysis of the show. I look forward to more content from this guy.

[@Harmus96]

This was such a well done review. Its been a while since I watched top boy, but this bought it all back! COME ON summerhouse

[@elitepreownedvehicles869]

This is really good mate, well done.

[@jabeir1991ify]

I need season 4 right now!!!!! 😵😩

[@digbick0013]

Terab Ali there’s only 2 seasons Summerhouse and the one after that Or is there another 1?

[@jabeir1991ify]

DigBick 00 oh i mean that in 2011 there was 2 seasons, and now this one that just went which is season 3. Unless my understanding of it is wrong. 🤨

[@juengkim2563]

Can you pls tell me the title of this movies pls

[@banga6419]

This TV series was so good, really enjoyed watching it.

[@Omglod2486]

I found this show this year, watched every episode in 2 days, moving, a real look at life some of us an never understand incredible tv and that’s what I want from tv

[@LoskiThe1st]

This is the realist breakdown and realist video I’ve seen on masculinity.

[@exquisite_benis]

This show is just too damn good we neeed another season

[@attila_the_hunk9685]

Such a good TV show. One of my favourites over the last 5-10 years

[@TheLearningCurveX]

This video is great! I've made a video as well on Jamie and Dushane and I'm looking to make another one on Sully. Thank you for breaking down the different aspects of growing/moving up too fast. It's definitely one of the underlying themes of the show that I loved.

[@aishadebique9201]

I LOVE your analysis.I brought tears to my eyes......

[@ziyaadkordowou959]

We would love to see another analysis by Aniefiok for the new season!!

[@GB-uq3eg]

Such a great Season 👌🏼 waiting for next one

[@AndyNigel762]

Love your explanation bro. Felt it

[@neilconaugthan9185]

Best show on Netflix

[@truthspeaker.377]

This is brilliant, so relatable to realism

[@panagiotiskatsaros7057]

this season was an actual masterpiece...

[@jameshaye8649]

How beautifully explained , respect to this video man ❤️🙏 brother knew what he was talking about big up

[@cameronlamb1869]

Seeing Ramsgate Sully on the beach with writers intention narrated literally brought me to tears rn fam wtf. Top Boy one of the best pieces of content ever no cap

[@anesumarecha980]

They should have done a story line like this for the intent 2, this was outstanding

[@JEREMYJDH447]

incredible analysis , Thank YOU!

[@yc.r.6961]

Tears! so beautiful!

[@PrinceRyan1539]

i must have watched this about 20 times over

[@lubaniskie]

The writing on Top Boy's elevated and brilliantly crafted theme orientation, the character development and design, especially with the complexities in relationships explored through the struggles of trying to escape poverty and be either provider or persons of respect, of outwardly evident "dignity", really goes a long way in humanising groups of people in our society otherwise little thought of as anything more than criminals, thugs and "scum". This show and 'The Wire' thoughtfully explore what gangsterism and drug dealing really are on the human level; what motivates these industries of deviancy and criminality, what folks really go through, who they are, how and what the human condition is translated into within and because of these desperate attempts to make money and stay afloat in a world that gives them no other reasonable alternatives. . . And they do that while telling really really compelling stories with equally compelling characters that make you root for them even when you know what they're doing may be morally objectionable. We know the dangers of taking drugs, its been explored through media so much, but little do other shows ever explore the human side to drug dealers and "thugs", why or how they end up where they are and how their lifestyle alters their behaviour, the culture behind the trade, and Top Boy achieves this vital portrayal so elegantly, showcasing dealers not just as perpetrators victimising society, but as victims of society themselves.

[@JB-io4kq]

The commentary is a banger of a GCSE English exam question

[@TheAllyroxoxox]

Very well explained. Love this show

[@adamhoggan2077]

thanks for making this video

[@johnperales9792]

Great video this show has a lot of powerful moments

[@Mpenzi1691]

This was great, thank you

[@tradingez8050]

Really enjoyed this thanks!

[@lilix4298]

Top boy has got to be the best thing i have ever seen

[@safachoudry1190]

Top Boy was amazing

[@alexglynn5099]

Love this!

[@Temitops21]

Love this.

[@cj8997]

topboy really touched me where nothing has ever touched me.

[@carltonwhite9682]

We love this joint in the NY too

[@terri6342]

Beautiful story.

[@KingJesusLord]

This show is perfect

[@wzupppp]

Loved Sully, his character had so much pain and bottled up emotions

[@awaisamar7792]

Bruv we were exploring themes of masculinity in school then I see this xD

[@TheAlkebulanTrust]

Thats interesting...What type of school do you go to is it a public school or private school?

[@awaisamar7792]

The Alkebulan Trust public school 😁

[@TheAlkebulanTrust]

@@awaisamar7792 that's impressive. They better be teaching what REAL masculinity looks like. It's surprising tho because in the 90s and early 00s they didn't even teach masculinity in public schools. One tip we will give you. In your own time do some self studying the earlier you understand true manhood true masculinity the better your life will be. 👊🏿

[@ma2443]

@@awaisamar7792 what he means is aka watching some arnold shwarzenneger and rocky films, thats how i grew these big balls...or that could just be scrotal lymphedema god knows

[@BranBranXO]

This was beautifully done 👏🏾

[@kirav1118]

Good narrative. In the modern world it's became harder for a man to survive. While the feminism movement is thriving , men are still associated with statements like "men don't cry" "it's easy to be a man" "man up" . And women forgeting that men are human beings too, that they have a heart and feelings too. Smts it's even harder for a lot of man to be a man,a provider. Even men shaming other men when they express their feelings,care and concern towards women .The modern words like "Cuckold" or "henpecked" are deplete men. It's hard,hard to be a man, because society wants a man to be/look like a emotionless rock, also modern greedy women juicing money from men, while man trying hard to provide for his kid or parents . Not allowed to cry,not allow to share that is hard .

[@JJDTC]

My favourite character were sully and that little man who died... Especially when you saw summerhouse too. Dawwwwwmn....

[@stevendang3508]

That was f***ing beautiful

[@SuperRobertoClemente]

Holy fuck that was brilliant! Thank you!!!

[@charliewardgames8678]

Lool man just told the truth about real life through top boy, true as fuck ngl

[@rakbhogal3293]

Great break down.

[@lukemullett7506]

Fantastic write up.

[@dylankarpha-burke2902]

Grade 9 response

[@tatznbn]

Amazing.

[@theinvertedpundit]

this dude could *literally* find themes to my life He is a literature king

[@mckeeling5333]

Jamie did a fucking a amazing job in blue story

[@walnoemispoyt5604]

It is true that the trust between Sully and Dushane is damaged but it is not broken. That is my only criticism but other than that this was a well written and a well made video!

[@VinnyWilk]

Just so happy to see so many beautiful black people on the screen. Big up all my Jamaicans on the series.

[@englishgoordie]

One of the best British dramas ever made .

[@joshhaylock1252]

Well done Netflix 👏👏👏👏

[@ryzefs]

never really thought about this..

[@F4UC3]

Wicked!!!