"Because there is very little honor left in American life, there is a certain built-in tendency to destroy masculinity in American men"

This quote by Norman Mailer recommends that due to the lack of honor in American life, there is a propensity to weaken the masculinity of American males. This could be translated as a criticism of the current state of American society, where standard worths of honor and regard have actually been changed by a culture of individualism and materialism. Mailer indicates that this shift has had a negative impact on the masculinity of American men, as they are no longer able to depend on traditional values to specify their identity. This might be viewed as a warning that without a sense of honor and regard, American guys may be not able to find a sense of function and meaning in their lives. Eventually, Mailer's quote recommends that a return to conventional values of honor and regard is essential for American males to be able to find a sense of identity and function.