Meditation on the nature of "Gentleman"

So there's this kid in my Japanese class - he likes beer, he likes women, he wants "to see you drunk," he likes calling things he doesn't like or doesn't understand "gay,"

and he desperately wants to be a gentleman.

This word first came up at the end-of-term party last term, where Koumatsu-sensei, on seeing him drink so much and be himself, admitted that her image of him had changed. In class she had thought he looked/seemed like a "gentleman" (yes, that's the word she used), but now it was clear he wasn't. I think it's fair to say he was heartbroken, and it's been an issue ever since.

Then why, WHY if he so desperately wants to be a gentleman does he declare that his favourite kind of movie is porn and insult other people's ideas and interests? Why does he do and enjoy things that he's ashamed to admit to people (i.e. sensei)?

Maybe I just don't understand what "gentleman" means. Apparently it has more to do with wearing lavendar sweaters and playing tennis than it has to do with rational, mature behaviour. And apparently as a gentleman it's okay to objectify women... as long as you let them walk through the door first.