I am currently researching the representation of men in shameless and how audiences respond to them for my A-level media coursework. It would be a great help if anyone could give me their opinions, and anything that stands out in particular.

It's difficult - even though it's set on a so-called "rough" estate - we have Frank who is philisophical through all his faults, and of course Ian & Mickey who are both gay, even though it's seen as unacceptable within their social environment....Paddy McGuire is the stereotypical macho but clueless drug dealer, who sorts every problem out with a head-butting. The interesting male is Lip....totally at home within the confines of his environment, streetwise, intelligent, loyal to his family, yet never quite feeling any sense of belonging, always striving to better himself , as if there's a huge void he needs to fill, as if he acknowledges he is who he is, but he can do better. He's desperate to better himself but knows his roots will always be there, and that he'll never become better than them deep down. Lip's the most fascinating male character I would say - a brilliantly cast character, because he almost breaks the stereotype of what most of us expect from a guy of his age from a world like that. He'll fit in, but he won't settle for what and who he is. Sorry if too deep lol!