Changing gender roles are key to accelerating the culture shift around changing the way we work and live. Redefining Masculinity is an editorial package that investigates what it means to be a man in 2017—and beyond. As part of it, we’re asking a wide range of men across industries, ages and background to answer 6 questions about what masculinity means to them. Read more about the project here.
Thrive Global: How would you define masculinity?
Andy Cohen: The word means different things to different people. For me the word conveys steady strength, stoicism, with some musky ruggedness thrown in.
TG: Who in your life shaped your view of masculinity?
AC: My father, the big three network anchormen, all the TV dads, Redford and Newman.
TG: Was there a particular moment when you felt you’d become a man?
AC: Pubic hair! I was thrilled. I felt like the Marlboro Man.
TG: How has society’s view of men changed since you were a kid?
AC: How has it NOT changed? In the last five years I went from Bruce Jenner using the term “sissy” on my show to interviewing Caitlyn Jenner! Everything is fluid now, and everyone is more able to fly the flag of exactly who they are. And that’s a good thing.
TG: What should children be taught about masculinity?
AC: Children should be taught to be the best versions of themselves.
Andy Cohen is an Emmy Award-winning host, producer and New York Times bestselling author best known as the host and executive producer of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” Bravo’s Late Night, interactive talk show. In addition to launching his own SiriusXM radio channel and book imprint, Andy is also the host of Fox’s Love Connection and tours the country with Anderson Cooper for “AC2: An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen.”