Letters to the Editor
JugSouthgate
Published Letters: 350 Editor's Choice: 18
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@MerelyMortalMale - There's More
[Read the article: Dude, where's my manhood?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Practically everything you wrote is dead-on accurate. But there are a few more things to consider:
1) In many cases, the same stresses that cause depression in women cause anger in men. But while depression is usually culturally acceptable, particularly in women, anger in men is usually culturally unacceptable. Yet in classic Catch-22 form, depression in men is often considered a sign of weakness.
2) The very same behaviors that are admired in women as "strong" are often derided in men. Men's groups are often quietly chuckled at, as if all males are part of the alleged "patriarchy" which really is the realm of only a few.
3) Our language is full of terms that are sexist-judgemental, for lack of a better phrase. There's no female equivalent of "sissy", "wuss" "man-up" or "grow a pair", for example. "Tomboy" isn't a derogatory term for a female, but it has no male equivalent.
4) Many males find themselves expected to do things for which their upbringing has left them completely unprepared. And those things must be done to standards set by females. IOW, it's OK for the wife to complain that the husband doesn't know when or how to clean the bathroom (to *her* standards), but it's not OK for the husband to complain that the wife doesn't know when to get the oil changed in the car.
Yes, these are all very general statements and there are plenty of exceptions. The article, however, tars all males with the brush of a few.
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Bob Heinlein Was Wrong, Karenl53
[Read the article: My candidate, myself]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]"Democracy is based upon the assumption that a million men are wiser than one man. How's that again? I missed something"
Democracy isn't based on that assumption. It's based on the idea that it's fairer and better to let everyone have a say rather than only a few, or only one.
The USA isn't a democracy, either. It's a republic.
"In case of doubt, vote against."
No, just don't vote. Important decisions should not be made from ignorance.
"If this is too blind for your taste, consult some well-meaning fool (there is always one around) and ask his advice. Then vote the other way."
This is actually good advice, but the problem is deciding which well-meaning fool to consult. They are plentiful and plenty can be found for all sides of all issues.
"This enables you to be a good citizen (if such is your wish) without spending the enormous amount of time on it that truly intelligent exercise of franchise requires."
I think he was being sarcastic.
"Does history record any case in which the majority was right?"
Plenty of them. History also records plenty of cases where the minority was in charge of things, and was dead wrong.