Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

‘The Man behind the Tan’: Ken’s Trumpian Absurdity

Burge, A. and Moss, R. (2025) ‘The Man behind the Tan’: Ken’s Trumpian Absurdity. In: Coghlan, J., Hackett, L. J. and Nolan, H. (eds.) The Barbie Phenomenon, Volume 1 : Gender, Identity, Race and Sexuality. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. pp. 71-79.

[A][B][+][-]
20322:61856
[thumbnail of Burge,_Moss_2025_‘The_Man_behind_the_Tan’_Ken’s_Trumpian_Absurdity]
Burge,_Moss_2025_‘The_Man_behind_the_Tan’_Ken’s_Trumpian_Absurdity
Burge_Moss_2025_The_Man_behind_the_Tan_Ken_s_Trumpian_Absurdity.pdf - Accepted Version
Restricted to Repository staff only until 10 March 2027.
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.
Information
Abstract:
This chapter critically examines the construction of Ken’s masculinity in Barbie (2023), juxtaposing it with the performative, excessive, and often absurd masculinity associated with Donald Trump and his supporter base. The authors argue that Ken’s aestheticised masculinity parallels the ‘camp’ and exaggerated hegemonic masculinity of Trump, blending absurdity with real sociopolitical influence. Drawing on theories of masculinity, radicalisation, and identity, the chapter highlights how Ken’s transformation reflects dangerous cultural shifts towards patriarchal dominance, mirroring real-world threats to democracy. It concludes by emphasising the necessity of sustained vigilance and systemic action to counteract and deradicalise such toxic masculinities, both in Barbie Land and beyond.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
masculinity, performative, radicalisation, patriarchy, vigilance
Creators:
Burge, A. and Moss, R.
Editors:
Coghlan, J., Hackett, L. J. and Nolan, H.
Publisher:
Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
Date:
10 September 2025
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 71-79
Title of Book:
The Barbie Phenomenon, Volume 1 : Gender, Identity, Race and Sexuality
Volume:
1
Number:
1
Place of Publication:
London
Number of Pages:
9
Language:
English
ISBN:
9781041007623
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
No
Edit Item