2024's ACTUAL Sexiest Men Alive? We have thoughts.
Dec 24, 2024
auto_awesome
The announcement of John Krasinski as the Sexiest Man Alive sparks a lively debate about Hollywood's beauty standards. Guests explore the disconnect between traditional sexiness and the internet's cravings for unconventional figures. They delve into shifting cultural perceptions, from the allure of 'hot daddies' to the evolving definition of 'daddy' in pop culture. Social media's impact on attractiveness is also examined, with trends like 'short kings' signaling a change in what people find appealing. It's a fun and insightful look at modern desirability!
The selection of John Krasinski as Sexiest Man Alive highlights the disconnect between Hollywood's choices and current cultural perceptions of sexiness.
The rise of unconventional attractiveness, exemplified by the 'Rat Boy' archetype, reflects a broader, evolving definition of charm in contemporary society.
Deep dives
John Krasinski and Controversial Sexiness Choices
The selection of John Krasinski as this year's Sexiest Man Alive sparks discussions about Hollywood's approach to sexiness. Krasinski, known for his wholesome image rather than overt sex appeal, raises questions regarding the disconnect between public perception and industry choices. The hosts reflect on recent picks for this title that do not resonate culturally, highlighting an absence of relevant candidates who embody contemporary sexiness. This indicates a broader issue where Hollywood's ideals may not align with the evolving preferences of a diverse audience.
The Decline of Sexiness in Film
Current cultural trends indicate a significant decrease in sexual content in films, which has dropped by nearly 40% since 2000. This trend aligns with the recent choices for the Sexiest Man Alive, where many actors lack the erotic charge typically associated with leading men in previous decades. The discussion notes that actors recently lauded for their attractiveness often do not star in sensual roles, which is essential for establishing their sex appeal. The hosts express nostalgia for past eras of filmmaking, where romantic leads often dominated the landscape, emphasizing the crucial link between a star's roles and their perceived sexiness.
Niche Appeal vs. Traditional Beauty Standards
The podcast delves into the rise of unconventional attractiveness, marked by appreciation for actors who defy traditional beauty standards. This is exemplified by the emerging 'Rat Boy' archetype, featuring actors like Timothée Chalamet and Barry Keoghan, whose roles in contemporary sexy films challenge conventional expectations. The conversation highlights how context, such as a character's charisma or involvement in a seductive narrative, shapes public perception of sexiness. This shift suggests an ongoing transformation in how society defines and celebrates attractiveness, moving beyond rigid stereotypes to embrace a broader range of appealing qualities.
PEOPLE Magazine has done it again. Last month they revealed this year's "Sexiest Man Alive"...John Krasinski. And, Brittany and the hosts of the Who Weekly podcast, Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber, are not satisfied.
The three of them get into the disconnect between who Hollywood thinks is hot versus who the internet is thirsting after. All with the mission of answering: what makes someone sexy in our year 2024?
Support public media and receive ad-free listening & bonus content by joining NPR+ today: https://plus.npr.org/