I love the way he plays with the idea of the dichotomy of the American identity. On the one hand, yes, it's fair to say we're one of the freest, most diverse cultures. And yet, the expectations are still crushing for so many, most particularly on gender issues. Nothing seems to get Americans more riled up than girly men and butch women. So many people have little patience for people who don't, as the song says, "tow the line" on gender expectations. It's fair America has embraced a lot of androgynous and gender non-conforming heroes. But still, stereotypes like John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe are considered ideals: the macho, alpha male and simple, flirtatious, girly-girl.
I love the way he plays with the idea of the dichotomy of the American identity. On the one hand, yes, it's fair to say we're one of the freest, most diverse cultures. And yet, the expectations are still crushing for so many, most particularly on gender issues. Nothing seems to get Americans more riled up than girly men and butch women. So many people have little patience for people who don't, as the song says, "tow the line" on gender expectations. It's fair America has embraced a lot of androgynous and gender non-conforming heroes. But still, stereotypes like John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe are considered ideals: the macho, alpha male and simple, flirtatious, girly-girl.