Jerry Seinfeld Reflects on the Absence of 'Dominant Masculinity' in Today's Society: Embracing Authenticity

Jerry Seinfeld Explains Why He Misses ‘Dominant Masculinity’ in Society: ‘I Like A Real Man’

Jerry Seinfeld Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage

Jerry Seinfeld's Netflix film Unfrosted draws inspiration from the era of "dominant masculinity" in the 1960s.

In a recent interview on The Free Press' "Honestly" podcast, Seinfeld, 70, expressed his belief that the key element of that era was the agreed-upon hierarchy, which he feels has disappeared in today's society. According to Seinfeld, this lack of hierarchy is why people drive aggressively and honk their horns, as humans are not comfortable without a sense of order.

Seinfeld directed and starred in Unfrosted, a movie about the launch of Pop-Tarts. He created his character, Bob Cabana, inspired by influential men from the 1960s.

During an interview with host Bari Weiss, Seinfeld reflected on the appeal of nostalgia. He shared, "Looking back, that moment is attractive because of the nostalgia factor. And as a man, I've always wanted to embody a real man, but I've never quite achieved it."

Seinfeld reflected on the past, mentioning iconic figures like John F. Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, Sean Connery, and Howard Cosell. He admired their strong presence and wished to emulate them in his own way. However, as a comedian, he acknowledges that staying youthful is essential for his craft.

Seinfeld believes that there is a lack of "dominant masculinity" in today's society, which he feels was embodied by individuals like Kennedy, Ali, and Connery. He longs for the charisma and confidence that these men exuded, and sees it as a quality that is missing in the present day.

Seinfeld understood the toxic aspect but still preferred a genuine person. He gathered a group of celebrities for Unfrosted such as Melissa McCarthy, Amy Schumer, Jim Gaffigan, and Hugh Grant. The goal was to create a movie that could serve as a welcome break from the gloomy political atmosphere.

"We started our comedy project during COVID because I couldn't stand seeing sad faces. In comedy, we really dislike that," Seinfeld shared with Weiss, specifically mentioning Donald Trump's controversial presidency. "We know we can't solve all the world's problems, but if we can bring a smile to someone's face, even just for a few minutes, that's a win for us."

He went on to say, "I was talking to a friend today about how comedy is one of the greatest Jewish traditions. It's no wonder there are so many Jewish comedians and a strong comedic culture within the Jewish community. Despite facing many challenges, they used their brilliant minds to bring joy to each other through laughter. It's about doing what you need to do and keeping a part of your mind reserved for laughter. Because sometimes, that's what helps us get through tough times."

Editor's P/S:

Jerry Seinfeld's reflection on the past and his longing for "dominant masculinity" resonate with a widespread sentiment of nostalgia for a perceived era of clarity and strength. Seinfeld's admiration for iconic figures such as John F. Kennedy and Muhammad Ali highlights the enduring appeal of charisma, confidence, and a sense of purpose. However, it's important to recognize that this idealized era also had its flaws, including rigid gender roles and social hierarchies that stifled diverse perspectives.

Seinfeld's desire to create a movie that provides a respite from political turmoil aligns with the enduring power of comedy as a coping mechanism. Laughter can offer a momentary escape from adversity and foster a sense of community. By bringing together a cast of comedic talents, Seinfeld aimed to remind people that even in challenging times, there is still joy and laughter to be found.