Traditional Masculinity
How has the image of the U.S. military changed since Ben Shapiro was growing up?
According to Ben Shapiro, when he was growing up, the Defense Department portrayed the military as a winning battle machine focused on American victory in wars. This image centered on strong men who were willing to enter difficult situations and perform challenging tasks to keep America safe. The military was depicted as a force of brave individuals ready to protect American interests, emphasizing strength, capability, and heroism. This traditional portrayal contrasts with more contemporary military representations that Shapiro implies have shifted away from this focus on battle-readiness and warfare capability.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
Ben Shapiro
02:12 - 02:34
How is Ben Shapiro characterizing the current cultural shift in government institutions?
Ben Shapiro suggests that "nature is healing" as things are returning to normal, particularly within governmental institutions. He observes that this normalization process is beginning with concrete governmental actions, implying a reversal of previous progressive policies. Shapiro's commentary indicates optimism about a restoration of traditional values in government operations, specifically mentioning that these changes are being initiated through official policy decisions rather than merely rhetorical shifts. This perspective aligns with his broader conservative viewpoint that institutions like the military should return to their foundational purposes.
Watch clip answer (00:06m)
Ben Shapiro
01:33 - 01:40
What has happened to military recruitment numbers under Pete Hegseth's leadership?
Under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, military recruitment has reached remarkable milestones, hitting 12-year record highs in December and 15-year record highs in January. This significant upward trend is expected to continue as the military returns to a more traditional approach and image. The surge in recruitment numbers is attributed to a renewed appeal to young men who are responding positively to the military's shift away from politically correct agendas and back toward core values of strength and service. As Ben Shapiro notes, 'it turns out that young men want to join this kind of military' - one that emphasizes its traditional mission and values.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
Ben Shapiro
05:17 - 05:31
How is Bud Light attempting to recover from its brand crisis after the Dylan Mulvaney controversy?
Bud Light is attempting to recover from its brand crisis by pivoting to traditionally masculine marketing that appeals to its core audience. After featuring transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney destroyed their brand equity, they've adopted an aggressively male-oriented approach by enlisting figures like Shane Gillis, Post Malone, and Peyton Manning in their advertisements centered around stereotypically masculine themes. This strategy shift demonstrates Bud Light's deliberate attempt to reconnect with their traditional customer base through what Shapiro describes as going 'as bro as humanly possible.' Their commercials now focus on typically male-associated activities like 'cul de sac parties' that prominently feature male celebrities, representing a complete reversal from their previous marketing approach.
Watch clip answer (00:44m)
Ben Shapiro
00:02 - 00:46