"What Exactly Is A British Bloke?" with Geoff Norcott
Aug 16, 2023
auto_awesome
Geoff Norcott, an English comedian and political commentator, dives into the complexities of modern masculinity and the evolving role of the British bloke. He humorously explores the impacts of cultural movements like Me Too, emphasizing the balancing act between traditional and contemporary male identities. The conversation flows from the pressures on men regarding appearances to the hilarity of male bonding rituals, all while critiquing the political landscape and society’s obsession with true crime. A mix of laughs and insights awaits!
The podcast emphasizes the need for a sympathetic understanding of the British bloke in modern times, challenging negative portrayals and celebrating certain aspects of being a bloke.
The discussion around phrases like 'man up' and the diminishing claim that blokes can make in society are explored, highlighting the impact of language used by men towards women and the changing definition of being a bloke.
The selective treatment of 'man flu' is analyzed, with scientific research supporting the idea that viruses can feel more virulent to men, while society tends to dismiss men's complaints about being ill.
Deep dives
Understanding the stereotype of being a bloke
This podcast episode explores the stereotype of being a bloke, discussing the importance of language used by men towards women, the changing definition of being a bloke, and the need for a sympathetic understanding of the British bloke in modern times.
Challenging the negative portrayal of men
The podcast highlights how men have been negatively portrayed in recent years and the impact it has had on the male brand. It delves into the discussion around phrases like 'man up' and the diminishing claim that blokes can make in society, while celebrating certain aspects of being a bloke.
The state of politics and the upcoming elections
The podcast briefly touches on the current political landscape, acknowledging the lack of exciting, motivating, or principled politics. It examines the perceived lack of differentiation between the Conservative and Labour parties, the strategic approach of Labour in avoiding significant mistakes, and the potential challenges that lie ahead.
The concept of 'man flu' and its selective treatment
The podcast episode discusses the concept of 'man flu' and why it is perceived differently compared to when women get sick. The speaker explains that there is scientific research supporting the idea that viruses can feel more virulent to men, but at the same time, society tends to dismiss men's complaints about being ill. The selective treatment of 'man flu' is attributed to pragmatic reasons, as having an ill man in a family situation where women primarily handle caregiving and household responsibilities can be inconvenient. The speaker also draws a parallel between the denial of 'man flu' and gaslighting, as men often report feeling unwell but are told it is all in their mind.
Differences between men and women and the importance of exercise
The podcast delves into the differences between men and women, focusing on biological and psychological aspects. It is mentioned that women perceive a broader range of colors, while men tend to have tunnel vision. The speaker also suggests that men's preference for beer and going for a pint at a pub is rooted in the need for social interaction without distractions. Additionally, the importance of exercise for men's mental health is discussed, with the speaker stating that men frequently talk about depression and the need to 'sweat it out' at the gym. The distinction is made that while exercise is important for women as well, men tend to make more space for it in their lives.
Geoff Norcott is an English comedian, writer and political commentator. He has appeared on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and Question Time, and has written for The Daily Telegraph, The Independent and Spiked.
He is the author of ‘The British Bloke, Decoded: From Banter to Man-Flu. Everything finally explained’ available here: amzn.to/3FX7xdS
See Geoff on tour: https://www.livenation.co.uk/artist-geoff-norcott-1252793
SPONSORED BY: Manscaped. Get 20% off and free shipping when you use the code TRIGGER20 at https://www.manscaped.com/
Stand-up comedians Konstantin Kisin (@konstantinkisin) and Francis Foster (@francisjfoster) make sense of politics, economics, free speech, AI, drug policy and WW3 with the help of presidential advisors, renowned economists, award-winning journalists, controversial writers, leading scientists and notorious comedians.
