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The backlash against Keith Quinn’s “bloke-ism” tweet has been swift. Photo / NZME
Legendary New Zealand rugby commentator Keith Quinn has backtracked after causing controversy on Twitter yesterday, with a post telling New Zealand men to “toughen up.”
“What’s happening to the bloke-ism? On the television news for the last few days, Dustin Johnson, Lewis Hamilton and Puma, the rugby players and the coach, all crying. The sight of the All Blacks in pink boots would it have touched Pinetree Meads? I doubt it. ” . Strengthen, guys today, “the announcer posted on Twitter last night.
New Zealanders were quick to shut down their message, including Sir John Kirwan, prompting Quinn to say “point taken.”
Although he did not respond directly to Quinn’s tweet, Kirwan’s post made his stance clear: “The highlight of the weekend was the team and Mario Ledesma crying, it made me cry. Beautiful,” he wrote.
Dozens of other Kiwi Twitter users responded to Quinn’s tweet expressing disappointment at his views.
“No, Keith, you have this exactly backwards,” replied one Twitter user. “It’s great to see top athletes not afraid to express their emotions and explicitly rejecting the ‘hardening’ spirit of years past. More of this please.”
“This makes me really sad. I grew up watching rugby with my dad by my side and you in our ears. Dad is gone now, but he was learning to cool off as he got older and to be less repressed with his feelings. I hope you can learn that. too, “said another kiwi.
Other users noted that many in rugby have been working hard to get away from the “children don’t cry” message, including John Kirwan.
“I am very hopeful that bloke-ism is becoming an unfortunate and damaging part of our history. One that future generations will look upon with contempt and pity,” someone else said. “I’m sorry you couldn’t get over that culture.”
The reaction came from Twitter users of all genders, who pointed out the importance of rejecting “toxic masculinity.”
After a backlash, Quinn finally retracted the initial comment.
“Everyone takes the point. For the record and in all seriousness, I think it’s great these days that men can openly express their emotions. I often do it myself. I was really thinking about the differences from earlier times.” said.
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