Ryan Gosling is embracing Kenergy and breaking free from Sigma Male shackles. You should too
The stoic and mysterious persona of Ryan Gosling, with a penchant for playing brooding, enigmatic characters, inadvertently became an icon for the ‘Sigma Male’ trend. However, in a remarkable twist, Gosling has managed to transcend the sigma male label and embraced a new persona that has captivated the internet: Kenergy.
Move over, alpha males and sigma brooders, this is the new vibe in town. And leading the charge into this colourful territory is none other than the enigmatic heartthrob himself, Ryan Gosling, as Greta Gerwig's Barbie nears release. The man who once held the crown as the poster child for the stoic and mysterious has shed his serious demeanour to embrace an entirely new face of charisma.
Ryan Gosling is everything. pic.twitter.com/sGdRqGbUBC
— the summer scorpio 💌 (@girlbosskenroy) July 17, 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of Internet culture, trends come and go, and meme-obsessed subcultures pop up, often fuelled by societal responses to established norms. One such trend that captured the imagination of netizens was the concept of ‘sigma males’, a reaction to the conventional ‘alpha male’ mentality that had long dominated discussions on masculinity.
The Sigma subculture
Remember the meme-fuelled rebellion against the "cringy alpha male" stereotype that flooded the internet a while back?
Guys online couldn't get enough of the impulsive decision-making and rugged handsomeness of certain fictional men. Cue the memes and the proclamations of "he's literally me" flooding the net.
It all began with Gosling's breakout role in the 2011’s Drive, where he portrayed a getaway driver caught in a dangerous entanglement with a mobster's wife. Gosling's character exuded stoicism, impulsive decision-making, and an enigmatic charm that resonated with online meme culture.
This persona was reminiscent of the emerging concept of the ‘sigma male’, who played by his own rules and avoided the flashy displays of traditional masculinity. Memes and discussions praising Gosling's "sigma attitude" began to circulate on the internet, solidifying his status as a poster boy for this trend, alongside the likes of Christian Bale’s Patrick Bateman (American Psycho) and Brad Pitt’s Tyler Durden (Fight Club).
https://t.co/7Ppt2cuEu7 pic.twitter.com/1eXEigvLjz
— raunak (@rawsnacc) July 11, 2023
Following the success of Drive, Gosling further reinforced this persona in films like Blade Runner 2049 and The Place Beyond the Pines. As a result, an active subreddit dedicated to the actor, r/ryangosling, emerged, filled with countless memes and ironic fancams that expressed the sentiment, "he's literally me". The fascination with Gosling grew, and he found himself embraced by the self-described sigma males who had become captivated by his aura.
A Ken is born
Fast forward to the present, and Gosling has embarked on a new adventure as the fictional Ken in Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated Barbie adaptation. This role has given birth to a playful and endearing side to the actor that is a stark departure from the seriousness of the sigma male trend.
Ryan Gosling is funnier that most comedians out there right now pic.twitter.com/u4NKujxuru
— the summer scorpio 💌 (@girlbosskenroy) July 17, 2023
Gosling's Ken is preoccupied with his appearance, flaunting a perfectly sculpted, hairless body, and coordinating his outfits with Barbie in colour and style. It's a concoction of metrosexuality, unabashed self-expression, and a dash of "It's Barbie's world, and I'm just living in it" attitude.
Ryan Gosling on his role as Ken in Greta Gerwig’s #Barbie
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) July 18, 2023
“It’s the role I was born to play.” pic.twitter.com/3ZC2V2kQYe
This new, effervescent portrayal of Ken in the Barbie movie aligns with a slightly different masculine identity — one that is unafraid to embrace a more unconventional fashion sense and confidently express its own personality. In a refreshing twist, Kenergy doesn't invite ridicule or judgement, as it is all part of the playfulness and self-acceptance inherent in the doll's world.
What's with the Kenergy?
As the Internet continues to buzz with discussions about identifying and finding one's Kenergy, Gosling has been at the forefront of the conversation. In interviews and public appearances, he has embraced the role of Ken with gusto, sharing anecdotes of how he connected with the character on a personal level and tapped into his own "Kenergy".
However, this newfound Kenergy didn't just appear out of thin air. Gosling had to channel his inner Ken from the get-go. He even found Ken inspiration in the mud next to a squished lemon in his backyard, courtesy his daughter.
Gosling's candid remarks about the casting backlash and the perception of Ken as a secondary character have resonated with fans and critics alike, underscoring his commitment to portraying Ken in a way that is authentic and true to the character.
With his characteristic charm and wit, Gosling has invited everyone, especially those who may have scoffed at Ken's importance, to recognise the significance of this iconic doll's story. He playfully challenges the notion that Ken was ever a central figure in Barbie's world, asserting that those who claim to care deeply about Ken's role are, in fact, guilty of hypocrisy.
We are all Ken-ough
His approach to portraying Ken goes beyond just playing a character; he sees it as a cathartic experience that allowed him to uncover the Ken within himself fully. He encourages everyone to embrace their own Kenergy, which he playfully likens to wifi - always present, yet somehow elusive in its essence.
Gosling's commitment to Kenergy doesn't stop there. He's been on a mission to help everyone discover their own Kenergy. From Toronto to Hollywood, he's been dropping Ken-isms like "Look no further; you are Ken-ough!"
"look no further, you are kenough" 😭😭 ryan gosling you're a godsend pic.twitter.com/BMoq5O0L0a
— Erin (@icetowncoco) June 29, 2023
Through his enthusiasm for the role and his ability to connect with fans, Gosling has created a groundswell of anticipation for the Barbie release. With a blend of humour, self-awareness, and a genuine love for the character, he has made Ken more relatable and beloved than ever before. His Ken transcends the superficial, offering a deeper connection to the character that extends beyond plastic proportions and picture-perfect appearances.
I’ve fallen deep for Ryan Gosling pic.twitter.com/1qPmWt3xZ8
— Liv Marks (@OliviaLilyMarks) July 12, 2023
As the release of Barbie draws near, Barbie's boyfriend, once relegated to accessory status, is now shining in all his metrosexual glory, and we're loving every minute of it. With a dash of humour and a sprinkle of self-awareness, Gosling has made Ken the ultimate trendsetter.
Prepare for an army of self-proclaimed Kens showing up in the front row, celebrating the man who redefined cool with his bleach-dyed hair and pink-clad charisma.
Barbie hits Indian theatres tomorrow.