" The author also states that many human traits are determined both by environmental and biological factors. Since the environment is strong enough to prevail over biological factors, boys should learn about "being a man in the modern world." For example, they should "learn to accept their vulnerability, learn to express a range of emotions, such as fear and sadness, and learn to ask for help and support in appropriate situations." The author suggests that keeping positive qualities of masculinity, such as courage, physical strength, and independence, is crucial to reduce "aggressive, violent behavior among boys and men." "If males were more nurturing, they would be less likely to hurt those they love." Cooper Thompson's ideas of traditional masculinity and new masculinity can be applied to Billy Elliot in the following ways.
Ballet is thought to be a sport for girls only because of its attributes. It's a soft, quiet and sensitive sport. One wrong move lead to having to do the dance all over again. A widespread stereotype about girls is that they are soft and sensitive. This automatically forms a connection between girls and the sport of ballet. On the other hand, boys are thought of as tough and strong individuals. This thought is then associated with activities such as football, hockey or boxing. In the film, when Jackie finds out that Billy is taking ballet, he strongly believes that boys should do "manly" activities that would help him become a better man when he grows up. Billy gets to hear his father's opinion about ballet when he says "Ballet is alright for your Nana, for girls. Not for lads, Billy. Lads do football, or boxing, or wrestling. Not friggin' ballet." This quote confirms Jackie's opinion on a boy doing a sport that is labeled as a "girls activity" by society. Furthermore, fathers follow these stereotypes because they want their sons to be strong, tough men.