[hopespringseternal]

believe the hyper-individualistic, rugged notions of the self in our society — while on one hand being the source of American strength and economic prowess -— has also had a devastating impact on familial bonds and communal ties...especially as the role of church and religion diminish in our society.

You have it backwards. Family and communal ties create male toughness, self-reliance, and individualism because it creates a reason to endure and solve problems and to sacrifice for others.

Lack of family and communal ties create self-obsessed losers who hold a perpetual grudge against God, the universe and everyone else because they are not the center of the universe.

Self-obsessed losers whine about no one wanting to touch them. Rugged individualists can't keep people away from themselves because people want to be supported by strength.

[bagster]

Very nicely said, sirrah.

Concur.