How Kirishima Depicts Masculinity | My Hero Academia

Kirishima definitely uses manly as a gender neutral term

Let's be real, the greatest plot twist in MHA is that Kirishima's hair isn't naturally red

Ever since he said, "If I don't help then how can I call myself a man?!" I fell in love with him as a character. His principles are what drive him. He aspires to be better and holds himself accountable as a hero

for a character whose quirk is literally hardening, HOW IS HE SO SOFT????!

He also doesn't see "being manly" as only a male term, he purly believes it to means to be strong and not just physical. He realizes that it could be said to anybody and if said he would 100% mean it. Reading this over it might not make sense but I hope you all can see what I mean.

Kirishima is literally that meme about the supportive chads on the internet.

It's also cute how many fangirls he has because of his personality. Really shows how positive masculinity can be highly attractive in dudes.

In the manga, Crimson Riot said that being manly and chivalrous has nothing to do with gender, it simply means living a life without regrets. This is something I hope to achieve as well.

He also take the “chivalry” aspect of masculinity one step farther; instead of using the “I must protect women because they are fragile (or lesser)” mindset, he uses “I must protect women because they are equal and worth my respect” side of chivalry. That, plus everything else you said, makes sure he uses positive masculinity, and is a awesome character

Kirishima is very much the character you can actually believe would be super popular in school. He’s friendly and encouraging to everyone, but not in a “everyone’s special” kind of way. He’s legitimately competitive without ever being mean or putting others down. He also has enough self-awareness to know his own flaws and to work on them.

Krishima is a great example of masculinity because it’s from a respectful place. He’s about being honourable and just because he wants to be a hero, but he never uses that masculinity as a way to abuse others. He isn’t using it to be better than others, but it stems from his past of being indecisive and passive. Kirishima is a amazing character.

he also says "manly!" as a compliment to the female students and heroes too! Not just the guys

Kirishima is that guy who on the surface looks intimidating to be around, but once you get to know him, you'll always want to be with him.

I've always really liked Kirishima. His "MANLY!" attitude is really cool, he's chivalrous, and his view on discipline and getting better are great.

As a straight girl, he’s my favorite character. There are so many things that I love about men but I don’t typically go for the bro type. However, he’s so sweet and good so all of his more “manly” characteristics just come off so endearing and sincere. He’s just an all around good kid.

I feel like when Kirishima says "to be a man" what he really means is "to be a good person" it's just that he's male ergo he wants to be a good version of that (a man) because all the ideals he has that he embodies are applicable to anyone — male, female or non-binary. I think he boils down to "treat everyone - including yourself - with respect"

My sister and I once had a discussion about Kirishima, where she explained why it made so much sense that when he gets too afraid, he freezes. It's because it's in his quirk's nature: becoming a rock. That includes growing still and not moving. His quirk is made to be more defensive than offensive. It's there to protect him. So him charging in for a fight in the first three seasons, was probably him over compensating for his nature that wants him to freeze. It's only after he learns in later seasons how and when to be more defensive, that his true power starts to unleash.

the manliest man of mankind, u can't change my mind.

Kirishima is a genuine strong nice guy. It's almost as if being a good reliable friend makes people like you.

The anime cut the part, but Crimson Riot specifically said "When I said "manly", I meant it as a strong spirit, it ain'y about gender." in the manga