Why are so many guys so bothered if a show has female leads/characters?

[Gernia 691]

I think some may not be used to seeing those things, so they may feel uncomfortable about media in which the main protagonist(s) is/are female. My only other idea is that they may think women cannot be protagonists and can act tough or posses heroic traits, which causes them to dislike even part of a show or game just because of that. I'm pretty sure those types of guys are only comfortable with something that has mostly, if not all, male characters, but that's just my opinion.

 

That's all I can suggest, even though it isn't all that new.

[AlbaTross 1,586]

It's an insecurity thing. I'm secure enough in my manhood that I can enjoy a show about female anthropomorphic ponies, without worrying that I'll somehow be less of a man if I do. In fact, I wonder how anyone could think such a mindset reflects strength or integrity. It doesn't. What's manly about worrying about what other people think, or thinking that one's manhood would magically evaporate unless one refrains from indulging in certain hobbies or entertainment?

 

I, for one, have nothing against female leads, and I don't even mind playing as a female in videogames, and if given the choice, I often go with a female character, if only because I enjoy taking what I perceive to be as the road less traveled. I usually draw the line with rpgs of sorts, that contain romantic elements, but that's mostly because I would prefer to be able to engage in straight romances with female characters. I wasn't expecting to get into Mass Effect, mind you, so I started with a Jane Shepard. It wasn't long before I got into it in a huge way, but by that point I decided I was too far in to want to go back and restart with a new character, and it wasn't long before I got attached to my Shepard. I don't regret it. In fact, when someone mentions Shepard, I actually think of a woman, largely because that's what my Shepard was.

[Proton 565]

Are they really?

As for me, I don't really have a problem with it, given I enjoy shows such as Kim Possible or The Powerpuff Girls.

[Hovershy 3,814]

I have no idea why guys have such a huge freaking problem with lead female characters. I just don't understand. Girls can watch shows with male leads but guys can't watch shows with female leads. WHAT?! Some of my friends won't even refer to ponies female. They don't say "she", they say "it"... and i'm like  :okiedokielokie: . 

[Jennabun 1,579]

I find it extremely sad how a guy taking a woman's side is seen in such a negative light. I have also noticed in other forums when women talk about women issues guys invariably come in and hijack the thread trying to make it their issue or make it seem as if guys have it as bad, if not worse than women.

 

I'm glad a guy is actually willing to say that this happens for once. I've created threads specifically to talk about women's issues because they get hijacked so much, and even on THOSE threads specifically to discuss those issues, people barge in and are like "YOU SHOULDN'T BE TALKING ABOUT THIS!!!!!!" It's annoying at best, and super-outright-depressing at worst.

 

I think it's easy for men to get defensive when people want to make women a focus. Most men are always represented in the media, are always heard with an open mind when opinions are shared, and are always a focus in our culture. Men still hold a lot of power in Western society. For these reasons, it's not hard in the slightest to find many movies, tv shows, and video games that portray men in a positive way. Men are used to that.

 

When woman finally have their own show, their own video game, their own movie, their own thread on a forum, men get mad. They get angry they're not allowed in. They think it's unfair. What the men don't realize is that the unfairness that they're feeling in that fleeting moment is what women feel all the damn time, constantly. That's why sometimes we need to make women's issues and women's representation a priority - because right now, women are still not seen as powerful, as interesting, or as relatable as men. That needs to change.

 

I'm glad you mentioned the documentary Missrepresentation. That addressed the problem of women in the media quite well, and I suggest that everyone watches it, even if you don't think it'll be your thing. I found that it brought up a lot of valid points.

Edited July 12, 2014 by Jennabun

[#1FluttershyFan 206]

It may be that it's just sexism and I would want a stereotypical female lead that is very girly. Rarity has her awesome, girl-power moments that separate from this category. Boys might want there to be male leads because they are already familiar with boys or are just idiots.