The Merits of James Bond: Why Ian Fleming’s Legacy Matters in 2021

Originally published at USAToday.com

Twenty-four official movies, with a 25th to come in October. Fourteen novels. More than $7 billion grossed at the global box office. Over 100 million books sold.

Born 113 years ago this Friday, Ian Fleming changed the world. James Bond’s creator was not solely responsible for the popularity of the Bond franchise—consumed by at least 20% of the world’s population—but the phrases “Bond villain” and “Bond girl” would not be common parlance without him. Fleming left us with a character who can be celebrated and criticized—not unlike himself.

Decades later, the Bond franchise finds itself at a crossroads (and a new part-owner, with Amazon recently purchasing Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for more than $8 billion) Is the British spy a “misogynist dinosaur,” as Irish columnist Donald Clarke has claimed? Is Bond an “emblem of mid-century British imperialism,” as Ebert Co. contributor Kyle Turner argues?

Bond's story is not just misogyny and imperialism

From outdated geopolitics to the occasional show of sexism, James Bond is a flawed character. But the lede of the Bond story is not misogyny or imperialist Britain.

In today’s hyper-polarized society, we assume the worst of others too often, and only to score political points that don’t spell victory for public discourse. Judgement is especially common among younger generations like mine, which tend to focus on content “aging well” rather than the quality of the content itself.

We need to apply the Hebrew phrase “Dan Le-khaf Zekhut” to Bond, judging him righteously. Judge the Bond character on his merits, not his demerits.

At a time when the merits of masculinity itself are being questioned, leading young men to question themselves, the Bond character matters now more than ever. When “toxic masculinity” and #Mansplaining have entered mainstream discourse, there is a parallel between the purpose of Bond in cinema and the purpose of young men in society. If Bond hasn’t “aged well,” what does that say about traditional masculinity?

We must tread carefully with the gender-shaming. Young men should not be ashamed of looking up to Bond. Charisma, competence, and courage stand the test of time. In the 1955 novel Moonraker (my personal favorite), Bond stops a nuclear warhead from destroying London, but he also saves Gala Brand—the novel’s “Bond girl”—from a landslide at the Dover cliffs by shielding her from the falling rocks. If that’s misogynistic or imperialistic, sign me up.

When he’s not protecting men and women alike, the British spy teaches people to learn new skills and hone their hobbies—from golf and skiing to the intricacies of cocktail-making and conversation. Whether grappling with a villain or his own personal demons, Bond is a case study in overcoming adversity for the greater good. As an orphan, he reminds people to count their blessings and appreciate their beginnings, no matter how humble.

A capable Bond personifies the never-ending pursuit of self-improvement, as a means to self-fulfillment. To quote Ernest Hemingway (a Bondian figure himself), “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”

There is a reason why more than 80% of men consider Bond a “good role model.” Even nearly 70% of women reject the notion that Bond perpetuates “damaging stereotypes about masculinity”—because they see value in Bondian masculinity. Because of Dan Le-khaf Zekhut.

Celebrate Bond's merits

To be male (and human) is to be fallible, and Bond is no exception. He has failed time and time again, so much so that Bond’s fallibility can be as instructive as his competence. At the end of the novel Moonraker, the British spy does not “get the girl,” as Brand chooses to marry another man. In Fleming’s words:

“The exit line. He must get out of these two young lives and take his cold heart elsewhere. There must be no regrets. No false sentiment. He must play the role which she expected of him. The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette.”

Alas, such nuance escapes headlines proclaiming Bond “too toxic” for the 21st century.

Bond can be a hero and a cautionary tale. Why expect perfection, when it is so much less interesting?

On Fleming’s birthday, may we all give characters like James Bond a fair shake. Let’s celebrate the Bond character before criticizing him. Let’s judge merits before demerits.

But, most importantly, let us be thankful that James Bond is around to save the world in October—one more time.