Renowned actor Laurence Fishburne, who starred in movies like "The Matrix" and "What's Love Got to Do with It," frequently discusses the nuanced aspects of vulnerability and masculinity, particularly as it relates to black men. He offers insights on how perceptions are shaped by societal expectations and how they can be contested.

According to Fishburne, many people possess both stereotypically feminine and stereotypically masculine characteristics. This identity duality can occasionally cause others to react in an unexpected way. People's preconceived thoughts about a person's character can be dispelled when they witness someone who is usually viewed as strong or intimidating—such as a black male—displaying vulnerability.

Consider this: Seeing a lion roaming the savannah typically inspires reverence and fear. However, what if you happened to spot the same lion sitting peacefully by itself one day, apparently deep in contemplation? Others' perceptions of the lion are altered by this sudden display of vulnerability. It ceases to be a terrifying monster and begins to resemble a multifaceted person dealing with its own difficulties.

According to Fishburne, it can humanize black men when people see them displaying all of their emotions, including vulnerability. Others may begin to see the person behind the picture instead of seeing them as frightening or dangerous. This change in perspective promotes a more complex understanding of people and aids in the destruction of stereotypes.

Fishburne wants to draw attention to these problems and promote candid discussions about identity and social expectations through his art and public speaking engagements. He thinks that people from different backgrounds can become more empathetic and connected if they acknowledge and value every facet of their personalities.