The CW

We love "The Flash" for many reasons — its eternal optimism, those helicopter shots of Barry running lightning-fast through the streets of Central City, Joe West. But one of the elements we love most of all? The way "The Flash" subverts many of the traditional narratives society tells us about what it means to be a "strong" man — i.e. traditionally masculine.

Patriarchy tells boys and men that, to be strong, you must be tough, stay in control, and — whatever you do — never show your emotions. But "The Flash" doesn't make its male characters exist within this narrow gender identity. Instead, it lets its superhero cry. It lets its superhero rely on others. It lets its superhero be vulnerable. Most importantly, it treats these traditionally feminine characteristics as strengths, not weaknesses to be overcome.

Here are seven examples...