by Melinda
Pillsbury-Foster
Political
movements are defined by those of individuals whose activities serve
as cultural markers to the population at large.
Most
people do not know that Charleton Heston, Mel Gibson, Kurt Russell,
and others are conservatives or libertarians. (We must include libertarians,
small 'l' in here since there is such significant cross over.)
Therefore,
we should divide the question: who are the primary definers? These are
policy activists, political activists, journalists, politicians, their
aides and staff, commentators, and writers. This rather small group
figures in the public consciousness as representing the essential identify
of conservatives and libertarians. They are the most focused representatives.
Secondary
groups, those individuals who speak out vocally, include individuals
whose primary public identity was created in another area. Here we find
such men as those previously noted; Stars, actors, singers and other
individuals who feel strongly on at least one issue and act as spokesmen.
Then, in the third echelon we have the general population. Now we can
see the group from which our sexiest man should be drawn.
Another
question now confronts us: what makes a man sexy? This warrants close
consideration. Women are attracted to men who are good looking. The
biological element active in identifying males who would make reproductively
attractive mates are well documented for men as they are for women.
Health, regular features, active athletic body, good eyes and teeth
are evidence of good stock. Further, the most attractive men possess
the accouterments of wealth. They know how to dress, are generous, and
have the means to support a wife and children.
This
would be enough if we were only considering the sexual allure of the
given population. But we are looking for a conservative/libertarian
so other criteria must be added. Sexy conservative men must be examples
of what is appropriate in their cultural milieu.. What are the highest
values we ascribe to conservatives? I suggest that such a man would
possess an appropriate sense of humor, engaging in self-denigrating
commentary where appropriate while showing courtesy to others and never
sneering at those who are less fortunate. He would be kind, honest and
honor his word as his bond, knowing that it is honor, not law that is
most important as a definer of excellent character. The ideal man would
also be courageous in the face of opposition, something he will face
all of his life.
We
have now defined the perimeters for our search. We have only to consider
the specific population that defines the present conservative/libertarian
movement.
One
possible man is Ronald Reagan. Another is Barry Goldwater.
Each
was the epitome of sexy and culturally conservative as well as being
clearly identified politically within the primary category. Each was
honorable, kind, and courageous.
Ronald
Reagan will be sexier when he is dead than any other conservative man
still breathing. And Barry Goldwater may be gone, but he is still sexy.
God
bless them both. We can only hope for more like them
