https://www.tumblr.com/willmacknation/817555468211929088/cats-wag-group-chat-comment-really-rubbed-me-the?source=share
This anon really rubbed me the wrong way. A lot of this honestly stems from the woobification of WM, Mack moreso than Will, because a large majority of the tag enjoys a certain dynamic, which is fine, everyone is entitled to whatever headcanons, or dynamics they enjoy, that's a part of fandom and fun of RPF, but let's not all forget that they are both still hockey players, shaped by hockey culture and the environments they grew up in.
Realistically Mack often comes across as someone who is more likely to follow the room, socially. You can see it in little moments, like the barbie video, where he waits for reassurance and for others to answer. The second example would be "why'd you add blush on my face," you can see he is almost embarrassed by this? In the post the anon called Mack "subby and docile," in personal regard I would never categorise him as such, if anything growing up younger than everyone else, and constantly trying to fit in with older guys, probably taught him to mirror locker room behaviour and avoid standing out too much.
And hockey culture as a whole has deep roots in toxic masculinity, misogyny, and homophobia, so naturally a lot of players learn early on what is and isn’t considered “acceptable” behaviour. Thankfully, from what we can see, Mack seems far less affected by that mindset than many others in hockey spaces.
I would also not categories Will as weak or overtly soft, the way some people imply, just because he is more open with his personality and hobbies. You don't make it through NTDP, and professional hockey without insane resilience and guts. His softness is not a weakness, which the anon is almost alluding to, because it goes against their narrative of WM, it's confidence in himself, despite being in a culture that discourages individuality.
Will and the other older sharks are doing a tremendous job breaking down stigmas in a perpetually toxic league, showing guys like Mack that it's okay to branch out and try things that are ultimately deemed "non masculine."
And honestly this is part of why Will is so vital to Mack, not just as his right winger on ice, but because he supports and pushes him outside of his comfort zone. Giving him a safe space to embrace interests that aren't just hockey, or creating a space where he isn't viewed as the "generational talent," but just allowed to exist as Mack.
Sorry for ranting on your asks, the anon just genuinely sent me into a fit of rage.
Brilliant response. I love it and agree completely.
