The Rise Of The Instagram Husband
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Rise Of The Instagram Husband

Is this silent supporter challenging the gender dynamics of success?

38
The Rise Of The Instagram Husband

If you have an Instagram, you are probably familiar with those latte-loving, vintage-wearing girls who use the app to make their lives look as perfect as possible. They are notorious for their artsy overhead shots of breakfast tables, their use of the words “authentic” and “wanderlust” and of course, their minimalistic portraits standing in front of exterior walls.

But have you ever wondered who is taking these photos? According to Jeff from a recent video by the Emmy-winning Missouri talkshow, The Mystery Hour, “behind every cute girl on Instagram, is a guy like me… and a brick wall.” “A guy like me” being an Instagram Husband, which, at least on InstagramHusband.com, is said to be a serious condition that requires immediate help.

Symptoms of being an Instagram Husband include, having a “photo thumb that is calloused or blackened with wear” or suffering from “uncontrollable bodily twitches when you hear any mention of the words: selfie, brick wall, puppy, succulent, the food has arrived, shoes, it’s snowing out, I don’t look good in this one, one more, crema, sunset, latte.”

Of course, the entire concept of the Instagram Husband was created to poke fun at those who may take Instagram too seriously. The “Treatment” option on the website is even a direct link to the Jack Daniel’s website. However, the video, which was released in early December, has received attention from many major news sources, such as CNN and BBC, and the joke has even opened doors to a conversation about the gender-dynamics of success.

Jezebel.com recently argued that the Instagram Husband is a "novel" idea, as “men do not usually play the silent support role.” The article goes on to say that it is an interesting twist to the well-known concepts of the “band girlfriend/wife” that place women in the silent supporting role to their successful boyfriends/husbands. Jezabel.com’s article seems to hint that the “Instagram Husband” video and website are anti-feminist, stating that the reason they are getting laughs is because it is a strange and funny idea that a man would dedicate his time into making his wife look good while receiving no credit of his own. However, I would argue that, if anything, the Instagram Husband is a feminist concept.

In our society it is possible for anyone to be successful, whether that person is trying to gain Instagram followers and likes or chase after a bit more substantial goal. Ready or not, strict gender roles are fading and it is no longer strange for a woman to be the more “successful” one in a relationship.

The humor of the Instagram Husband video is not found in the warped gender role, but in the fact that it is created in a way to depict men as victims in need of refuge because they are being subjected to taking photos of their wives. It is meant to be satire, and that is what it should be taken as. However, maybe it can help us recognize and appreciate those who quietly help us on our way to success or just give us another way to laugh at ourselves.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

76512
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

143743
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments