Kevin Burton Smith wrote:
> Well, not everyone. I think it's more a point of
emphasis. In the
> earlier books, it was just something Spenser did,
among many other
> things. But the food and drink stuff has certainly
become more
> prominent in later books, as Spenser becomes more
domesticated (which
> isn't necessarily the same as going
soft).
Not sure I buy that, particularly the "earlier books" part. I
seem to recall that cooking (more than flipping an egg-
Spenser had kitchen skills) was presented as something that
set Spenser apart from previous hardboil dicks. I thought
Parker was making a point- that cooking was not a reflection
on manliness. And while eating well at home may initially
have been manly competence for Spenser, cooking for two, is a
social skill. I also seem to recall that the entire Silverman
relationship developed at least partiallly because Silverman
was impressed by the fact that Spenser could cook, and well.
She thought there was more too the guy after tasting his
linguine. And Spenser's relationship with women is what
initially set him apart from previous hardboiled types, who
could be downright misogynistic, no?
Kevin continued:
While there's nothing inherently
feminine about cooking, there is
something vaguely embarrassing about
guys who seem to think not being
able to handle themselves in the
kitchen is some kind of point of
macho honour, or that being able to
cook is a mark against one's
toughness or masculinity.
Ironically, the world of professional cooking is very macho.
Consider the low percentage of TV cooking shows featuring
women chefs. The harrasment and limitations to advancement
that have declined in many other workplaces often continue
for women in large, competitive kitchens. Women who persevere
are subtly but frequently directed toward the pastry
department, which may be why some people think of baking as a
feminine skill- or maybe it's the other way round. Women even
get short shrift in short order. I'm sure there are
exceptions, and it may be different in some other cultures,
but walk into any North American restaurant and usually the
guy in charge is a guy in charge.
If we're into cracking hardboiled stereotypes, how about
hairstyling? Anybody know of a hardboil dick who impressed
with their ability to twist a mean curl
(as opposed to the other way round)?
Kerry
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