Two and a Half Traditional Affirmations

The TV show Two and a Half Men has remained popular through the trials and travails of its former co-star, Charlie Sheen. The new actor that has replaced Sheen was not known for traditional values. Yet, in a recent speech that drew much praise from those on the right, it appears there is more to Ashton Kutcher than meets the eye. Ashton Kutcher shocked the entertainment world when he gave the millions of teens three lessons that he has learned in his life. The first is that success looks a lot like hard work. Surprisingly, this gem was greeted by wild cheers by arguably the most work averse generation in centuries. Next, Kutcher explained that for a girl to be truly sexy she must be smart, generous, and thoughtful. And this from a man of Hollywood? Lastly, he encouraged young people to not believe the lie that the world is a static system which they must simply fit into. Instead, we all have the capacity to create new jobs, new lives, and new communities.

Now, we can certainly find much to criticize in Kutcher, most notably the fact that his movies have often used the sex-as-commodity tactic to gain sales. However, the fact that these young people had the chance to hear these words of wisdom overshadows any question of Kutcher’s motives or consistency.  This is something we can celebrate.