Men

I just saw the movie Gran Torino. It is so refreshing to see a movie about a true MAN. The character Walter Kowalski is unapologetic, brave, strong, masculine, honest, and proud. It is rare to find this type of character in the modern film industry, much less in modern society. The more popular character is a man who is either a playboy or a gangster. Walt drinks American beer, drives an American car, and worked in an American company. Finally there is a movie that doesn't go straight into the popular modern attitude of hating America, but rather shows an image of a man who is faithful to the United States. He is a man who fought for his country and he is unashamed of voicing his opinions.
His vocabulary of racist, offensive slurs fits in with his attitude towards life. His caring, fatherly side surfaces when he teaches Thao, the boy next door how to be a man. Walt does not baby Thao, he tells him exactly what he thinks and exactly what Thao needs. While this approach to guidance may be seen as harsh or cruel by others, I think that it is a clear example of masculinity. A role model doesn't have to be politically correct, socially acceptable, or even friendly to be effective. Walt is territorial, defensive, blunt, and judgmental however he is the man who Thao can look up to. He is the hero, the father, the protector and the friend.