Tear along gender edges. Strategies of resistance to models of hegemonic masculinity in Zerocalcare's Netflix series.

Strategie di resistenza ai modelli di maschilità egemone nella miniserie Netflix di Zerocalcare

Abstract

Digitization has been changing the methods of production, distribution, and use of audiovisual products, according to a process of “platforming” (Van Dijk, 2018). Streaming platforms are changing the audiovisual ecosystem; moreover, they are generating a potential cultural impact in terms of new forms of representations and points of view. Within this framework is the animated miniseries Strappare lungo i bordi by Zerocalcare, distributed by Netflix Italia in 2021. The series proposes a representation of gender identity in opposition to the models of hegemonic (Connell and Messerschmidt 2005) and normative (Kimmel 1995) masculinity, in accordance with plural masculinities (Connell 1995). Based on this theoretical framework, the aim of the paper is to analyze in depth (Eisenhardt 1989) the series, with specific reference to strategies of resistance and intolerance with respect to the hegemonic masculinity models. The analysis will also frame the series within the Netflix show schedule, which is characterized by an increasing focus on inclusion and diversity as a promotional strategy and as part of its brand (Jenner 2018).