The general denigration of manhood in popular culture and in "progressive" politics has without question produced large numbers of hapless, passive younger generation males. But there is another group of males - by no means hapless or passive, and not always younger generation - who simply have decided they will no longer play by the old rules, because half of those old rules have been repealed. Those old rules call on men to rise to the defense of the weaker and to sacrifice their own individual interests, in exchange for which they are treated with dignity and respect. Dignity and respect are no longer accorded to men generally, so a large and growing proportion of men has decided that they are no longer accountable to protect the weaker around them or to produce more than they require individually for happiness.
For many, the answer to the question "Where are the men?" is "We're right here, but we're no longer going to be treated as disposable implements. You will get from us what you earn, not what you try to shame us in to."
You've said a mouthful once again
@HoustonSam ... And it occurs to me that even in myself, what is not expected of me gets pretty rusty. No woman around, it is extremely easy for my genteel side to ease up and eventually fall away. Nobody to honey-do me to death, and the place don't need to look so good. Hell, it can look plain awful as it turns out, and I don't mind at all. In no time at all I can be speaking native mule-skinner and proving in fact that men and dogs are quite alike.
It is a fragile thing in a man, that respect expected of him... And it is quick to snuff out.
Now, on the other hand, a woman who knows her place, and who is standing in her virtue, can have me hat-in-hand, diggin my toe in the ground, without any help for it at all. Funny how that goes. But them kind are getting fewer and further apart, I will tell you what.
As it turns out, your average man is quick to dodge responsibilities. and given the opening, they WILL every time they can... Certainly my shaggy rumpled old self is a perfect image of a man reverting to nature.
And I will, because I CAN. There is no reason not to. And society tends to demand it. Either I can be the nancy-boy they desire, or I can go be what I am. And that is no choice at all for me.