A grassroots campaign supporting Vice President Kamala Harris has become the center of an online storm due to its unusual approach to appealing to masculinity.

The ad, which quickly went viral on Friday, featured male actors celebrating their masculine traits while pledging support for liberal values and Harris herself, and though it was a product of Creators for Harris and not affiliated with the official Harris-Walz campaign, its attempt to redefine masculinity in a progressive light received widespread derision, as Fox News reports.

Ad Goes Viral Amid Social Media Frenzy

Crafted to position supporting Harris as the "manly" choice, the ad showcased male figures emphasizing their masculine credentials through a series of humorous claims.

However, this attempt at humor sparked an avalanche of criticism, with many feeling the portrayal was out of touch with contemporary views on masculinity.

Jacob Reed, the video's director, explained that the ad intended to mix comedy with sincerity in its message. While meant to be partly a joke, Reed expressed hope that it would spark discussions on what it takes to "be a man" in today's America.

Creators Defend Video's Intentions

Reed revealed that the initial version of the ad possessed a much more admonishing tone. Realizing that condescension might alienate viewers, Reed revised the ad to soften its stance. Despite his efforts, the ad's revised version still landed poorly, with many commentators criticizing its approach.

Social media quickly picked up on the ad's peculiar message, leading to a slew of comments that included those from political pundits and the general public.

Critics expressed confusion and disbelief, with sentiments ranging from "This can’t be real," to pointing out that the political left seemed disconnected from authentic masculine expressions.

Public Reactions Highlight Disconnect

Commentator Charles Gasparino added to the chorus of critiques by questioning the political left's ability to comment on masculine identity. He suggested that the credibility to dictate what "real men" should act like was lost long ago.

Other observers, like David Reaboi, attacked the ad's casting choices, insinuating that the actors failed to convincingly depict actual men.

Spencer Klavan's insights further expanded on the criticism, arguing that the video reflects the American left's aspirational view of men rather than reality.

Debate on Masculinity's Definition Intensifies

Klavan elaborated that the persona represented in the ad implied an ideal masculine model as envisioned by Harris' supporters. He suggested that if men failed this expectation, they would be deemed insufficiently enlightened rather than questioning the ideal itself.

Political advocate Chris Rufo commented on the ad's portrayal of masculinity, suggesting that neither of the polarized views represented a genuine male essence. Leor Sapir contended that true manliness doesn't wait for permission or validation to take a stand.

Critics Dismiss Ad's Potential Impact

Writer Batya Ungar-Sargon criticized the ad for not genuinely attempting to garner male support for Harris. Instead, she suggested it might be targeted at an imagined, less assertive male demographic.

Reed defended the video's humor-infused approach, asserting that even if it was akin to sketch comedy, its core message was legitimate. He conveyed his belief in the need to evolve American masculinity through dialogue, adding another layer to the public debate flagged by the ad's release.

Controversial Campaign Sparks Ongoing Discussion

Fast Company paraphrased that while the original version leaned more heavily toward scolding, Reed intentionally revised it to avoid patronizing potential viewers. Despite the softened tone, the ad failed to strike a chord with many who found its depiction of masculinity both unusual and unconvincing.

The ad, though intended as a light-hearted take, stirred a more profound discussion about the nature of masculinity in political contexts. Its viral spread has initiated widespread conversations about how masculinity is perceived and expressed in modern society.

In conclusion, the ad supporting Vice President Kamala Harris has not only sparked debate over its portrayal of masculinity but also highlighted the complexity of integrating progressive ideals into traditional gender narratives. While the ad failed to resonate with its intended audience, it succeeded in creating a platform for discussion around evolving gender roles and expectations.