In Presidio, which was an otherwise wearsiome film, Sean Connery's character made a statement about the US Military, which I think can be fairly applied to the concept of masculinity and its role in contemporary western society. To paraphrase his remarks, he states that the military is like the Dobermans at a large estate: during the day the master of the house enjoys his wealth and comforts, keeping the dogs locked up and hidden from view, embarrassed by their presence. In the dark of night however, when a strange noise is heard, he takes great comfort knowing that the dogs are about and unmuzzled.
Of course, to correctly apply the dog metaphor to western society one would have to presume that the Dobermans built the estate in the first place.