This masculinity/femininity debate comes up every year in reference to Johnny. It's getting old and it's a pointless debate. Every one has a different idea about what is and isn't masculine and feminine and no one can impose their veiwpoint on any other.
Johnny tried pleasing others last season with that fake masculinity crap that proved to be a disaster for his skating. I like the fact that Johnny is Johnny again and skating for himself again. You can't please everyone. Those who are uncomfortable with him or dislike him for who he is...need to look in the mirror.
Johnny's special. I marvel at his soft knees that make him seem to float over the ice. I marvel at the speed and flow in his skating. I marvel at the powerful line that Johnny creates through his back and shoulders, legs and arms...he really takes the time to create beautiful pictures on the ice...there's nothing sloppy or thrown away in his skating. I marvel at his amazing posture and control. He seems aware of his posture during every second of his time out on the ice, so that no matter when you look at him and no matter where you are in the the arena, Johnny always gives everyone, everyseat in the house (and at home), the same sequence of powerful images. What other man bothers to stretch the free-leg fully in the landing of EVERY jump and then hold the position long enough for the eye to take it in and marvel at it?
I marvel at the effortlessness of his skating...the beauty of it...the serenity of it. I find his skating captivating. It's like he's skating on a frozen moonlit lake, which you happen to stumble across in the dark. There's something very private about his skating and it's such a privledge to be invited in.