In fact that is what machismo is all about - looking mean and bad so others fear the little ratfucker and take him seriously. The pop culture merely supplies different models of looking mean and bad.
The availability of different models, BTW, is capitalist consumerism at its best - you can choose from among 20 brands of toilet paper, but only two barely distingushible political parties. Translation: you can choose from among every form of cultural expression you want, as long as it does not upset the economic-political status quo.
Wojtek