Is It Macho Or Attractive For A Young Man To Be Smart?

Are smart young men "hot" to young women? Is high intelligence attractive on a man? We have all seen movie stereotypes of young men who are smart. They are often called "geeks" or "nerds" in those movies, and they are not the most "popular" kids in school. But what about real life? Does this movie stereotype carry over into real perceptions?

A recent article by the Associated Press: In A First, Women Surpass Men In Advanced Degrees. Could this be that there are simply more opportunities for women now? Or could it be that boys don't want to be seen as a nerd, geek, uncool or unmasculine so they purposely avoid getting good grades, to look more "cool"?

Here is an interesting thread about this: Is Being Intelligent Considered Uncool In America?

And in this wonderful article, Managing His Image: The Challenge Facing A Gifted Male, says that:
"Gifted males concerned with image issues may become academic underachievers if their adolescent culture does not value academic success. Many bright young men may do poorly in school, not simply because they aren't motivated to study, but because they are intent on maintaining their status in a peer group that regards academic achievement as uncool. Maintaining their image may require decisions that are detrimental to long term adjustment. Gifted males may be forced to mask their true identities to survive in a "macho teenage male culture".
The masculine mystique and value system comprise a set of beliefs that defines what our society regards as masculine. These values are learned early in childhood and may be based on rigid gender role beliefs. One feature of this masculine mystique is the belief that vulnerability, weakness and academic success in school are signs of femininity to be avoided at all costs.

If America wants to have smart kids, should the government and the media try harder to change the image of the smart young man? What do you think about this issue? Please leave your comments below: