Masculinity is linked with such traits as rationality, efficiency, competition, individualism and ruthlessness. The male hero tends to be physically strong, aggressive, assertive, takes the initiative, is independent, competitive and ambitious. TV and film heroes represent goodness, power, control, confidence, competence and success. They are geared, in other words, to succeed in a competitive system. There is no shortage of aggressive male role-models in westerns, war films and so on.
Many boys try to emulate such characteristics through action and aggression.
There are few women in the heroic role played by Sigourney Weaver in Aliens. Men tend to be shown as more dominant, more violent and more powerful than women. Men on TV are more likely to disparage women than vice versa. Men drive, drink and smoke more, do athletic things, and make more plans. They are found more in the world of things than in relationships.