Michael B. Jordan, acclaimed for his role in the film Black Panther, addressed the importance of emotional vulnerability among men during the launch celebration of Brisk® Iced Tea’s Creators Class program on Tuesday. Speaking with EBONY’s Joshua David, Jordan discussed how society’s expectations often discourage men from expressing their feelings, highlighting a crucial need for change in perceptions of masculinity.
Reflecting on his portrayal of Erik Killmonger, Michael B. Jordan emphasized the impact of showing a different side of Black masculinity in mainstream cinema.
“You aren’t any less of a man by showing emotion,”
the actor stated, directly challenging the stigma tied to male emotional expression. Jordan, who has two siblings, explained he openly expresses affection toward his brother, defying traditional norms by saying,
“I’ll tell my brother I love him, give him a hug, kiss him on the cheek. That’s my guy and you don’t have to be ashamed of that.”
Michael B. Jordan’s message stems from personal experience, as he shared the regret of losing a friend unexpectedly and wishing he had expressed his feelings beforehand. “Tomorrow’s not promised,” Jordan said, underlining the significance of genuine connections and the pain of missed opportunities to show love. He urged other men to let go of shame and societal expectations, describing negative perceptions as “extra noise” that distracts from authentic relationships.
The Brisk Creators Class, where Michael B. Jordan made these comments, connects young creators with experts in the arts, promoting collaboration and growth. Jordan’s insights not only spark necessary dialogue about masculinity, but also encourage a cultural shift that values openness and emotional honesty, hinting at broader effects on both interpersonal bonds and societal attitudes moving forward.
