Harry Styles is an embodiment of modern-day charm and talent. Recently, he made headlines by appearing on the cover of Vogue, marking a milestone as the first man to grace its front page. In a stunning light blue Gucci dress, Styles has ignited a range of reactions, predominantly positive, but there are dissenters too. Prominent among them is conservative commentator Candace Owens, who voiced her discontent on Twitter, asserting that “No society can thrive without strong men.” This comment implies that Styles’ choice of attire somehow diminishes his masculinity. It’s 2020; we need to move past these outdated notions of gender expression. Indeed, strong men can—and do—wear dresses.
Owens is a figure who has aligned herself with the alt-right, a stark shift from her previous criticisms of Trump and conservative ideologies just a few years ago. Now, she leverages her platform to stir controversy, especially among her fervent followers. However, it begs the question: what exactly does she define as a “strong man”? Does she believe that every heterosexual woman desires a lumberjack type? If she’s going to advocate for a specific type of masculinity, she ought to clarify her examples, as definitions vary widely among individuals.
Interestingly, a brief look at her personal life reveals that her husband is quite the average-looking white man. So, what gives her the authority to dictate the standards of masculinity? Harry Styles is a modern icon, so perhaps Owens should reassess her perspective.
Styles isn’t the first male artist to challenge fashion norms. Icons like David Bowie, Prince, and Kurt Cobain have long embraced gender-fluid styles. Bowie’s alter ego Ziggy Stardust was known for extravagant outfits, while Prince epitomized boldness in his purple jumpsuit and heels. Harry’s choice to wear a dress is far from groundbreaking.
Toxic masculinity, a concept defined by traits such as aggression and emotional suppression, is a real issue. The Good Men Project describes it as a narrow view of manhood that stifles emotional expression. Owens and her supporters exemplify the pitfalls of adhering to these archaic beliefs. The idea that a rugged man with an axe is superior in masculinity to Styles in a dress is simply outdated.
Styles himself noted the importance of breaking down gendered clothing barriers in his Vogue interview, stating, “When you take away ‘There’s clothes for men and there’s clothes for women,’ you open up the arena in which you can play.” Thankfully, we are in an era where men are redefining masculinity, moving away from toxic stereotypes and striving to be more emotionally aware and authentic. This evolution benefits everyone.
Yet, Owens, along with others like Ben Shapiro, tends to politicize Styles’ fashion choices. In a follow-up tweet, she bizarrely linked Styles’ dress to a “steady feminization of our men” and Marxism in education. This absurd connection raises eyebrows. How can a millionaire celebrity wearing a designer dress relate to anti-capitalist ideologies? Dresses are simply garments—why the uproar over a man wearing one, to the point of likening it to political theory?
Moreover, why is Harry Styles in a dress perceived as a threat to masculinity? He isn’t forcing anyone to adopt skirts; rather, he’s presenting an alternative view of what masculinity can be. And let’s be honest—dresses can be incredibly comfortable! Perhaps more men should consider them.
The bottom line is this: masculinity is not a monolith. Gender exists on a spectrum, and we must stop imposing rigid definitions on men. Clothing doesn’t define one’s gender identity. Understanding this could help dismantle toxic masculinity and foster a healthier environment for everyone.
For more insights on this subject, check out this blog post that dives deeper into gender expression and societal norms. Also, for authoritative information on related topics, visit this resource and explore this excellent guide.
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Summary:
Harry Styles’ appearance in a dress for Vogue has sparked a debate, particularly with conservative commentator Candace Owens, who clings to outdated notions of masculinity. Styles, along with many artists before him, challenges traditional gender norms, promoting a broader understanding of masculinity that embraces emotional expression and diverse fashion choices. This cultural shift is essential for dismantling toxic masculinity, and it highlights the need for society to evolve beyond rigid gender definitions.