The reason why I chose Jake Peralta for this presentation is because Jake embodies positive masculinity. Jake is a character who challenges toxic masculinity and breaks certain stigmas of how men “should be” in society. Jake is a goofy,confident,talented and loyal detective but he also isn’t afraid to show his vulnerable side. He’s not afraid of what others will think of him or of the certain “boxes” men are put in due to society’s toxic norms.He’s not afraid to be who he is and show/express his emotions to others. He’s also not afraid to stand up for the women in his life and unconditionally support them. Throughout the season’s we see how Jake grows as a person and how he’s impacted those around him. At first Jake was just a funny but determined detective, but throughout the seasons we see his personality develop and become more mature,serious and open.Jake also impacts his colleagues in many ways. For example, Rosa (one of Jake’s partners/colleagues) is known to be very tough and closed off but Jake helps her be a little more open and willing to ask for help. Such as when Rosa decides to come out as bisexual to her parents, she asks Jake to help her. Even when things don’t go too well with her parents,Jake is there for her and assures her she’s loved and supported. Jake helps them all be better people and believe in themselves. He includes everyone and deeply loves and cares for all his friends. Another example is when the squad finds out Rosa is on scene of an active shooter situation and the team starts to panick and struggle to keep their cool. Jake helps calm them down and keep a positive mind by letting them express how they’re feeling and creating a safe environment even though he himself was stressing as well. It’s just one way that Jake demonstrates how just because you’re a man doesn’t mean you have to conform to certain gender norms and be emotionless or closed off and always tough. Another example is Jake’s relationship with his father. They never really got along and his dad was not always there. It played a big part in shaping Jake throughout his childhood to adulthood. It affected his relationships due to fear of commitment and abandonment but as we see Jake grow as a person he learns to navigate those feelings and properly communicate and be open with others. As Jake and Amy later on throughout the series were expecting their son, Jake vowed to change and not be like his father and to be the best dad he could possibly be, which he was. Things like that help create a better, more positive space for men and the show is really refreshing and impactful for anyone that watches. Jake is the complete opposite of what toxic masculinity is and is a character that can and should be seen as a role model for men to look up to and aspire to be. The whole show is an incredible demonstration of a beautiful and healthy environment/lifestyle that everyone should aim to achieve. It’s more than just a comedic show, it has meaning and as you progress through the show you’ll discover just that. This show has become a comfort show for me and I can watch it repeatedly and still be entertained without getting bored, while also learning and appreciating its beauty. (I linked a short video that shows how kind and supportive Jake is towards the women he works with,etc… here) ➡️ Jake Peralta Being A Feminist Icon | Brooklyn 99
⬆️This tweet references an episode of the show where Jake meets his idol who turns out to be a homophobic and sexist man which leads Jake to no longer admire/look up to him. Another example of Jake helping to go against these toxic masculinity mindsets and stand up for what’s right.
Fight Clubs/Night Clubs 