British supermodel David Gandy has publicly voiced his concern over the lack of positive narratives surrounding 'good men' and has taken a firm stance against the influence of controversial figures like Andrew Tate.
Backing the Lost Boys Campaign
The 45-year-old fashion icon, renowned for his work with Dolce & Gabbana and his own David Gandy Wellwear brand, is now lending his support to a crucial social initiative. He is backing the Centre for Social Justice's Lost Boys campaign, a movement dedicated to raising awareness of the pressing issues facing boys and young men in today's society.
The Problem with 'Disruptive' Masculinity
Speaking to BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Gandy explained that while social media offers great opportunities for community and information sharing, it is also being exploited. He pointed directly to the negative influence of figures like Andrew Tate.
'When you've got unregulated information and the form of, should we say people like Andrew Tate who are sort of pushing a very immature, I would say, and disruptive idea of masculinity on to vulnerable young men, then that's where the problem holds,' Gandy stated. He emphasised that 'there's not enough narrative about good men.'
A Personal Mission for Better Examples
Gandy revealed that his involvement in the campaign was spurred by repeatedly being asked to define masculinity in interviews, a question he finds 'strange' given the concept's broad nature. He argued against the idea of a one-size-fits-all masculinity and lamented the prevalence of extreme examples.
'There's not sort of one thing that fits all and a lot of the information, like Andrew Tate and a lot of other people in there, is pushing this very extreme form of masculinity, wrong form, and there's not enough good examples out there of good, kind men and things they do,' he told the programme.
Redefining Modern Fatherhood
Addressing the portrayal of masculinity in film and TV, Gandy dismissed the notion that the masculine role is being taken over by women. He championed the idea of balance, particularly within family dynamics.
'I don't think that's quite true, I think there's a good balance and there should be a good balance,' he said. Gandy also reflected on the evolving role of fathers, citing his own family as an example. 'We are the first generation, I believe, my age, where we're seeing the dads have to take on a different role. My wife's a barrister. I certainly wouldn't mess with her.'
