Character Study: Barney Stinson

"Suit up!" I think Barney Stinson is a very complex character. This has a lot to do with an analysis I did on the character back in my undergraduate studies and I'll preface this post by saying my love for How I Met Your Mother has deteriorated lately. A lot of what I initially loved about the show has gone away, so I'm stuck in a space of wanting to like the show, but disliking most of the time I spend watching it now.

Barney Stinson is sort of like that to begin with. His womanizing ways are glamourized by the show and I find this problematic. I have no choice but to ask myself: Why are so many viewers (including myself) accepting of and entertained by Barney Stinson's obviously flawed personality?

Barney is a womanizer and an extreme example of a sex-driven male bachelor, but he is also attributed with traditional "female habits," such as getting pedicures and being picky about the clothes that he wears. Barney’s promiscuity is often the source of humour on the show, but this view of sexual activity can be seen as an antithesis to Lily and Marshall’s fidelity. While Barney is anything but a role model, his actions are foiled by better morals from other characters (and sometimes even better intentions from himself).

Many viewers are able to look past Barney's negative characteristics because every once in awhile there are signs of “something deeper” to his character. Stories about Barney’s past make viewers feel sympathetic and provide an explanation to his treatment of women (although, it's up to you whether those explanations are valid excuses). For example, in “Game Night” Barney tells the story of how he became a suit-wearing womanizer. It is revealed that he was dumped by the woman he loved for a businessman in a suit. This influenced his own ideas about masculinity and caused Barney to drastically change his lifestyle.

I'd love to know your opinion. What do you like or dislike about Barney Stinson? Are you offended by his character? Do you appreciate the humour his character brings to the show?