This is generally true. However, much to the consternation of my macho dad, I was the weird kid who was more interested in making lanterns from coffee tins than

This is generally true. However, much to the consternation of my macho dad, I was the weird kid who was more interested in making lanterns from coffee tins than shooting at canoes or chopping wood with rocks. If the author is really concerned about society going down the tubes it might be worthwhile to not include making things in her stereotype of behavior that isn't "manly." The guys who spent their youth throwing stuff at each other are the ones having the most problems when they grow up. Last I checked, makers do pretty well in adulthood.