12. Real Men
(Jackson, 1982)
Joe Jackson - Night And Day

“At one point, it [Real Men] was starting the record, but then it was like, ‘No, that’s not how the record should start. There’s nothing that can follow it.’ It became the heart of the record, really. ‘Don't call me a faggot/Not unless you are a friend,’ is the obvious one for your readers. That song has always been such a mantra for tolerance. What really struck me was the line, ‘You can wear the uniform/And I can play along.’ I kind of cocked my head on that one. I giggle. And, ‘If there’s war between the sexes/there’ll be no people left...’” [Next - September 7, 2001]

“She’s an androgynous being, like a seahorse. Her essence is anima/animus combined, of the joining of two in one. It’s a woman who has really integrated her animus. And this is what she projects to the world. Neil [Gaiman] is convinced she’s a he, but I don’t agree. I think she’s androgynous.” [AP - October 2001]

“The girl in Real Men... She embodies both the male and the female, makes true bridges between both sexes in her soul. Somebody with a lot of feeling for ethics.” [Oor - September 8, 2001]