Overall, many might argue that Hank Moody, the lead character in Showtime’s series Californication, is what a man should not be. Hank is an alcoholic sex addict who is almost entirely controlled by his vices. He has been thrown in jail numerous times, with examples of the charges ranging from resisting arrest to (unknowing) statutory rape. He also never seems to grow up, meaning that he consistently does not learn from his mistakes and attempt to assimilate into the adult world.
Despite Hank’s obvious shortcomings, I will argue the contrary.
Here is why Hank Moody is actually a positive influence on the modern man.
1. He Loves and Respects Women
Many viewers that watch Californication believe that Hank is a misogynistic womanizer who uses women as an escape from his life. This could not be further from the truth. Hank holds all women on a pedestal, not just the seemingly endless stream of super models that exist in the show.
To quote Hank himself, “I find myself telling her how beautiful she is anyway. Because it’s true—all women are, in one way or another. You know, there’s always something about every damn one of you. There’s a smile, a curve, a secret. You ladies really are the most amazing creatures. My life’s work...”
What men can learn from Hank’s adoration of women is that women are to be respected and seen as individuals, rather than being generalized and often not taken seriously.
I am not saying the lesson Hank teaches here is to suck up to all women, but instead that women are to be shown the same individuality that men show each other, as well as the same level of respect.
2. He Places Family Above All
Hank, despite being unmarried, having a child out of wedlock, and engaging in an almost nonstop barrage of sexual relationships with various women, is a family man. Viewers love him or hate him because of his abundance of sexual escapades and rock n’ roll lifestyle, but Hank would trade all of that in if it meant he could be together with the love of his life, Karen, and his daughter, Becca.
Karen and Becca are his family, his reasons to continue living in his messed-up life. He constantly tries to shake his addictions and inner demons in an attempt to be the man and father his family deserves. Even though he fails many times in this endeavor, what makes him a man is his determination to get back up and keep trying. Hank perseveres, and teaches men that you can never give up on your family.
3. He Stays True to Himself
Hank does not pretend to be someone or something he is not. He is blunt, abrasive, sarcastic, arrogant, and narcissistic and, to be honest, that’s why the other characters love him. He’s Hank, that is just how he is known to be.
This unwavering loyalty to who he really is exemplifies a critical lesson in being a man, staying true to yourself. Hank eschews insecurities and, as a result, gains the confidence needed to survive in this world. As a man, you should embrace yourself and your convictions. That is the way respect is earned.
