The dawning of the "Man-aissance"

“Mad Men”, the TV show, is many a contemporary man's fantasy. In 1960's America, men were men. But what would some men say is the state of men today?

By: Carol Costello CNN | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: April 16, 2010

“Mad Men”, the TV show, is many a contemporary man's fantasy.
In 1960's America, men were men.
But what would some men say is the state of men today?
"Males are at a point now where they are experiencing a considerable amount of dismay and uncertainty. And somewhat scorned, in principle by females."
Lionel Tiger is one in a group of professors, all men, who support a new academic discipline: male studies.
It explores the biology behind masculinity. It was born out of concern our culture is "feminizing boys."
"Don't by any means let them drug your child. To turn it into a girl. Which is what effectively they do," Tiger said.
And the fear of "feminization" is out there.
Other men are fighting it too and not by studying the problem, but by going retro, like “Mad Men.”
They're dismissing less-than masculine heroes like the guys in HBO's Entourage and embracing the macho heroes of old like Theodore Roosevelt and Steve McQueen.
Brett McCay, supports the "retrosexual movement."
Along with his wife, McCay wrote "The Art of Manliness" and says men can end the confusion by embracing the tradition of machismo that includes honor, and self reliance.
"I think it's just a reflection of this idea that men, young men particularly, want to grow up. They're tired of, you know, feeling like they're a teenager still," McCay said.
While a male studies class may help, McCay says a good first step is simple: dress like a man
And men seem interested in going elegantly macho, both Banana Republic and Brooks Brothers are now selling "retro" looks.
As for what women think? In light of the fact men still dominate the top of the corporate ladder and still dominate all three branches of government?
Some women are receptive while others say it's just another slam on feminism.