Kevin Sorbo, celebrated for his role as Hercules, recently criticized Hollywood’s depiction of masculinity, claiming that today’s male leads lack the “manliness” of their predecessors. His social media post quickly divided opinions, with some supporting his perspective on traditional ideals while others called his views outdated.

At the heart of the discussion is the evolving portrayal of masculinity in modern media. Today’s male protagonists often embody traits like emotional vulnerability and empathy, challenging the hyper-masculine archetypes of the past. Sorbo’s comments have reignited debates over how gender roles and ideals are reshaped in an ever-changing cultural landscape.

Reimagining Heroes for a New Era

Kevin Sorbo attributes the perceived decline of masculinity in Hollywood to factors such as “alcohol, drugs, video games, porn, and other entertainment,” though he has not provided evidence to support these claims. Despite this, his call for a resurgence of traditional male heroes has struck a chord with some. Sorbo emphasized the importance of role models for young boys, stating, “Boys, especially, need heroes. It’s part of why storytelling has been an essential part of culture throughout history, particularly through the medium of filmmaking in this generation.”

In Sorbo’s vision, Hollywood should focus on “good men: men who love their wives and children, protect them, fight for what’s right, and speak up for the powerless. Men who, above all, have overcome their own selfish desires and are free to put others first.” This traditional archetype of heroism aligns with his broader critique of modern portrayals of masculinity, calling for stories that celebrate strength, selflessness, and moral clarity.

While Sorbo’s advocacy for these values has resonated with some audiences, the rise of diverse storytelling offers a different perspective. Today’s heroes often reflect multifaceted identities, blending traditional traits with emotional depth and inclusivity. From strong female leads to characters who defy conventional gender norms, modern filmmaking is expanding the definition of heroism. Perhaps the future lies not in choosing between the old and the new but in embracing the richness of both, allowing heroes of all kinds to inspire audiences in different ways.

The Backlash

Kevin Sorbo’s comments faced swift criticism across social media, with many accusing him of clinging to outdated ideals of masculinity. Detractors argued that Hollywood’s evolving portrayal of men embraces emotional depth and individuality over rigid, traditional stereotypes. They highlighted how modern male characters reflect a broader, more inclusive understanding of identity, celebrating vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness.

Critics also pointed out the irony of Sorbo’s stance, given that his portrayal of Hercules was itself a mythological exaggeration of masculinity rather than a reflection of nuanced, real-world traits. Some even suggested his remarks stemmed more from personal frustrations with Hollywood than a genuine critique of male representation. While a minority supported Sorbo’s views, arguing that modern male leads often lack the physical grit of past icons, even they acknowledged the overly simplistic nature of his claims. The polarized response underscores just how deeply masculinity continues to resonate—and divide—in contemporary culture.

Masculinity Through the Lens of Time

Kevin Sorbo’s critique of modern masculinity extends beyond Hollywood’s depiction of leading men to how fathers and traditional male figures are portrayed. He claims, “Fathers, in particular, have become the butt of every woke Hollywood jab, the bumbling, useless idiots who contribute nothing to their families or communities, but sacrifice themselves as objects of ridicule.” Sorbo argues that Hollywood’s portrayals have drifted too far from presenting men as role models, advocating instead for representations of “men we’d want our sons to emulate and daughters to date.”

Sorbo also took aim at modern fashion and its celebrated icons, including Timothée Chalamet, noting, “GQ’s 2019 best-dressed man, Timothée Chalamet, for example, often wears clothes that, well… let’s just say your grandfather wouldn’t have been caught dead dressed like Chalamet.” He also criticized the normalization of androgyny in male celebrities, stating, “Society today seriously misunderstands masculinity. On the one hand, we love to normalize androgynous, Billy Porter-type men who sport skirts and poofy dresses.” For Sorbo, such representations undermine the traditional ideals he believes should remain central to masculinity.

However, fashion trends and expressions of masculinity have long evolved with the times. Historical figures once embraced powdered wigs, lace collars, and elaborate dress, reflecting the norms of their eras. Sorbo’s nostalgia for traditional masculinity contrasts with the fluid and dynamic nature of its expression throughout history. Masculinity, much like fashion, has always been shaped by cultural and societal shifts, challenging fixed notions of what it means to be a man.

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Hollywood’s Evolution: From Hercules to Human

Kevin Sorbo’s portrayal of Hercules in the 1990s cemented him as a symbol of traditional masculinity—a hero defined by “physical strength, unwavering confidence, and moral clarity.” For many, Sorbo’s Hercules epitomized the archetype of the strong, dependable male lead that dominated screens during that era. This legacy adds weight to his recent critique of Hollywood, where he champions a return to such ideals. However, critics argue that his perspective may be clouded by nostalgia for a time when his career thrived, rather than an impartial assessment of today’s entertainment landscape.

Since leaving mainstream Hollywood, Sorbo has shifted his focus to Christian-themed films and commentary on social and cultural issues. Some suggest this move reflects a growing disconnect from an industry that has embraced a broader spectrum of masculinity. Detractors have gone so far as to label his critiques an attempt to remain relevant, but his supporters counter that his experience as a leading man gives him a unique perspective on Hollywood’s evolving portrayal of male heroes.

This divide highlights the shift in what audiences seek from their protagonists. The hyper-masculine, infallible heroes of the past have given way to more complex characters who display vulnerability and emotional depth. While Sorbo’s remarks appeal to those nostalgic for traditional ideals, they also underscore the growing preference for relatable and multidimensional representations of masculinity in modern storytelling.

Balancing Tradition and Progress

Kevin Sorbo’s remarks have reignited the conversation about masculinity’s shifting ideals in today’s culture. Traits like stoicism, physical dominance, and emotional detachment once defined manhood, celebrated as cornerstones of traditional masculinity. In contrast, modern narratives are reshaping this identity, emphasizing emotional intelligence, authenticity, and inclusivity. Hollywood has mirrored this evolution, presenting male characters who balance vulnerability and moral complexity with strength, moving beyond rigid stereotypes.

For many, these changes represent a long-overdue cultural shift, challenging toxic norms that perpetuated harmful behaviors and limited self-expression. Characters who display emotional depth, like those seen in recent blockbusters, resonate with audiences seeking relatable and multidimensional heroes. However, critics argue that this evolution risks losing the qualities that once embodied resilience and strength, viewing the decline of hyper-masculine archetypes as a loss of tradition.

Sorbo’s critique encapsulates this divide, underscoring the broader societal tension between maintaining traditional ideals and embracing a more inclusive vision of masculinity. As Hollywood continues to redefine its male protagonists, the debate reflects an ongoing struggle to balance progress with the values of the past in a way that resonates with a diverse and ever-changing audience.

The Future of Masculinity: A Story Still Unfolding

The debate sparked by Kevin Sorbo’s remarks reflects a larger cultural reckoning with the meaning of masculinity in the modern era. While some champion the evolution of male representation as a step toward authenticity and inclusivity, others hold fast to traditional ideals they feel have been unfairly discarded. Hollywood, as both a mirror and a driver of societal values, sits at the heart of this ongoing conversation.

As society continues to navigate these shifting dynamics, it’s clear that the definition of manhood is no longer a singular narrative but a tapestry of diverse experiences and expressions. Whether rooted in nostalgia or driven by progress, the discussion reveals one unchanging truth: masculinity, like all aspects of culture, will keep evolving—reflecting the complexities, struggles, and aspirations of each generation.

(TMU Op-Ed) — Since most of us were kids we’ve heard the phrase Reduce, Reuse, Recycle repeated ad nauseam everywhere from on TV to ads plastered on the sides of buses, on recycling bins, on coloring pages, and a host of other places.

However, over the years it seems something was lost in translation. With less focus placed on reducing and reusing, our recycling bins are overflowing week after week. Sure, it might be better to have an overflowing recycling bin than it is to have an overflowing trash bin, but how much better is it really?

At the same time we’re finally seeing an increase of recycling outside of the home at places like schools, gas stations, airports, etc. we’re also seeing a dramatic cutting back of the acceptance of recyclables created in the United States. China recently started restricting the import of recyclable waste including mixed paper and most plastics. The news of this happening was the first time that many people in the United States became aware that a lot of our recycling isn’t actually recycled here. For an act billed as a necessity to saving the environment, the fact that it uses an overwhelming amount of time and resources including fuel to ship it overseas is a little concerning.

But more than that, recycling is only a thing because recyclables are valuable. According to a press release, “The global waste management market size is expected to reach $484.9 billion by 2025.” This means that when you toss something into your recycling bin and it is not able to turn a profit it won’t be recycled. Unfortunately this isn’t rare.

Then there’s also the people that are too hopeful about the abilities of the recycling industry and as a result they toss everything in the bin regardless of what the code on the bottom of the item says or what their local rules say. It only takes a little bit of the wrong thing from a “wishful” recycler to ruin an entire batch of recyclable material. And this too isn’t rare. In fact, according to Waste Management one out of every four items that ends up in recycling bins doesn’t actually belong there.

Here are 11 things that “wishful” recyclers tend to toss in the bin:

1. Plastic Bags — To some it may be common knowledge that plastic shopping bags, bubble wrap, cereal bags, food wrap, and more cannot be recycled in your home bin but they still find their way into municipal recycling facilities far too often. These bags can clog up machines and workers must remove them by hand. Thankfully plastic bags are accepted at many stores including local co-ops and chains like Target and Trader Joes.
2. Receipts — Unfortunately, most receipts that you receive while shopping are coated in Bisphenol A (BPA). While yes they are paper, the fact that they are coated in BPA means that it contaminates the paper product being made when they get mixed in with the pulp. If you don’t need a receipt just decline it at the store since you can’t recycle it and more importantly because the BPA coating comes off onto your hands and other surfaces. This is especially important information for parents who often hand receipts off to antsy kids during shopping trips. Skip the receipts if you can and if you can’t be sure to wash your hands after handling them.
3. Pizza Boxes — Takeout and delivery pizza boxes can’t be recycled, despite their obvious cardboard construction. Any paper product with even the smallest amount of food strains cannot be recycled and this always includes pizza boxes. Thankfully many pizza boxes are now made to be compostable and will say so on the box but remember: compostable does not equal recyclable.
4. Bits of Food — Just because you can recycle something doesn’t mean you can recycle it dirty. Rinse out glass and plastic before tossing it in the bin and if the container is still greasy use some soap and water. Even a little bit of food can ruin an entire load of recycling.
5. Coffee Cups — Even the greenest among us find ourselves out and about without our own cup when we crave a cup of coffee. Unfortunately, while those cups are paper, they’re lined with plastic film to keep the liquid from soaking into and then out of it which makes them impossible to recycle. The lids and the paper sleeves are recyclable but the cups never are. Next time you’re out without your own reusable cup, ask the barista for a “here” cup and finish your drink before leaving.
6. Wrapping Paper — Some municipalities accept wrapping paper but it is important to check your local rules. However, the popular shiny and metallic papers are never recyclable. If you are able to recycle basic, matte wrapping paper be sure to remove ribbons and bows. In lieu of using store bought gift wrap, try transitioning into using newspaper, paper bags, or the brown paper that sometimes comes inside of shipping packages.
7. Shredded Paper — There are good reasons to shred certain documents at home but unless you compost it’s better to stick to shredding only that which must be shredded because recycling centers just can’t handle those tiny strips of paper. In fact they can clog up the equipment because they’re so small! Thankfully shredded paper can be composted but make sure not to include envelopes with plastic windows or anything else that isn’t paper. However, some municipalities will accept shredded paper but only if it’s placed in a paper bag and stapled close so please check your local rules for this one.
8. Broken Things — Broken plates and glass shouldn’t be placed in your recycling for various reasons. One of the biggest is that they pose a hazard to sanitation workers. If you have broken items wrap them in plastic and carefully put them in the trash.
9. Old Dishes — Plates and glassware are not recyclable. If you have items that are in good condition take them to a thrift store instead of throwing them away. Bakeware has a much different melting point and chemical composition than normal recyclable glass.
10. Bits of Metal — Some things are too small to recycle. Just like how a piece of paper is recyclable but shredded paper is not, the tab from a metal can isn’t recyclable by itself even though an entire can is. And it’s for the same reason—these small things can clog up the machinery and slow down the entire recycling process. If a soda can tab does fall off, place it inside the can when you’re done. If you have little bits of tinfoil, keep it somewhere safe and add to it until it becomes a big ball.
11. Food Boxes and Containers — Most freezer food boxes are coated in plastic, much like coffee cups. And just like coffee cups it makes these otherwise paper products not recyclable. Unfortunately this is the same for cartons that contain nut milk, oat milk, juice, soups, and more. Some municipalities currently accept these cartons but it is not the norm. You can find out more about how to recycle those containers here.

Remember: when in doubt, throw it out. It’s better to mistakenly throw something away that could be recycled than be an aspirational recycler and ruin an entire truck load of recycling. And always check with your local municipality at least once a year to stay up to date on the rules where you live.

Reduce, reuse, recycle—in that order.

By Emma Fiala | Creative Commons | TheMindUnleashed.com