Judith Halberstam wrote QUITE the analysis of Drag Kings in Media. As Halberstam explains, parody of masculinity is subtly hinted at in movies, and comedy acts today. Unlike Drag Queens, for whom the popular culture today is to loudly express their femininity to the world through Drag Balls and flamboyant outfits, the culture of the Drag King today finds itself nestled in popular comedy. The desirable traits for a male in today’s society could be similar to the desired traits of a King. The same way political cartoonists parody the politicians of today; drag kings tend to parody the crises that face the modern man. In relating Kings and Queens in general to this essay on drag kings, one can look into the social status of men and how they wish to be perceived. Even though we are living in a much more equal society than the one of 50 years ago, women are still considered inferior by many. Men get better paying jobs, and are considered to be stronger, and ‘even headed’ by many. Men also have their fair share of obstacles. They are expected to be (for lack of better word) masculine. If men do not fit the culture’s mold for success, they are often tossed aside. It is disappointing that the professional world still believes in some of these stereotypes, but it is something both men and woman have to work through. So called, “King Comedy/Humor” is large topic of Halberstam’s essay. She picks out the examples of king humor that can be found in pop-culture today, and proves that it is just as relevant as the humor in Drag queen performance.
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