[ClearCase_guy]

Somewhat related, there was a recent thread about how women today are attracted to "boys" like Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise, and Brad Pitt, whereas actors used to grow up and portray manliness and that was what women liked. That thread, I believe, blamed the hormones in the Pill for part of the change.

Anyway, it's hard to think of a Gary Cooper or Robert Mitchum who is acting today. A man's man is not popular anymore, and heroes are rarely portrayed, and God has been kicked out of the schools ...

... and we find ourselves in our current mess. Our whole culture has been debased.

[RobbyS]

Well, Hollywood has also stopped producing heroines. Can you think of an actress who has the presence of studio stars such as Betty Davis or Katherine Hepburn? Meryl Steep comes close, but no cigar.

[Anima Mundi]

There was a short time after 9/11 when the hero ideal returned and the nation saw the merit of the strong and manly type of man.