Boys Don't Cry

This weekend I have been doing some research on Boys Don't Cry. I'd like to say that I really recommend the film although I was surprised by some of the scenes. However some of the conversations around the film really disturbed me. So much of the attention to the film was given to it for the actresses (which I personally thought did a really good job) instead of for the real issues in the film. Some of the issues covered were those of hate crimes, transgender discrimination, stereotypes, and child abuse, but most commentators in the common audience seem to overlook all these issues to focus on the acting and effects. What is wrong with our society? Is the art of cinematography and making a hit film really that much more important that the message those films carry?