Why don't cars have real bumpers anymore?

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This has been something I have wondered about on and off for awhile. That is: Why don't cars have real bumpers anymore? You know, the rubber, real bumpers that actually protect cars from damage in minor collisions... Nowadays it seems most "bumpers" are not really bumpers at all...just a bit of extra decor on the car that really serve no purpose. Hit one of these new generation "bumpers" in a slow speed collision or minor fender-bender and you could see a $5000 bill just to fix your fancy, pretty, modern "bumper". I was wondering, aren't there laws about this? I mean, when did it become ok for car manufacturers to phase out functional, protective, and strong rubber bumpers and start designing bumpers that were just for looks and dont really protect the car or passengers from anything? (plus the $1000+ bill to replace your smushed plastic(?) old "bumper" with a new one) So that's what I was wondering. I am not sure who to go to with my "consumer complaint/observation" these days.....maybe I should call Ralph Nader (if he is still doing consumer protection work anymore these days).... Anyone else ever wonder about this? Starlighter