Father’s Day, June 20, is an occasion to reconsider our definitions of masculinity. From Anglo-Saxon-Celtic mythology, we know of an ancient character known as the Green Man. Sort of like the Greek goat-god Pan, the Green Man gives life to all things, makes seeds germinate, trees grow, and is the spirit of the primeval forest.

Who knows—maybe The Jolly Green Giant was inspired by this protean being. His booming laugh was manly, yet kind, and he encouraged little ones to eat their veggies. And, he looked pretty hot in those green tights. All good.

I am not clear where the more recent green guy, Shrek, comes from. Late-night show host Craig Ferguson and I agree that he’s got a fake (read: Canadian) Scots accent, though.

But my favorite green man these days is named “FEMINIST HULK”, created by feminist theorist Judith Butler. This Hulk still loves to smash stuff—like hegemonic forces, patriarchy and mindless masculine dominance. He’s still no Oprah-loving creampuff, but now he’s smashing in the name of cultural mindfulness. FEMINIST HULK (just Google him) is the subject of a recent interview in msmagazine.com, where he addresses, among other things, the seeming rudeness of typing all in caps, i.e. online shouting:

“HULK USE ALL CAPS. HULK CHOOSE NOT TO IMPOSE HIERARCHY ON LANGUAGE. PLUS, BIG HULK FINGERS MAKE SHIFT-KEY PROBLEMATIC.”

I like a superhero who’s sensitive without sniveling.

FEMINIST HULK: My heart belongs to this big daddy.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 21st, 2010 at 9:59 am and is filed under under my skin with jane wurwand, founder of dermalogica.