ivaluemyprivacy{at}mailblocks.com wrote:
> SUICIDE AMONG THE YOUNG
>
> Madam, - I was slightly disturbed by some of the 20 suggestions
> compiled by Angela Macnamara to combat suicide among the young
(January
> 6th).
>
> While it is obvious that the writer has good intentions, and there
was
> some sound observations in her list, I found no. 14 particularly
> objectionable: "Strident feminism is threatening, particularly to
many
> boys and men". Does this advice suggest that the women should
pussyfoot
> around their male counterparts, for fear we make them suicidal? Would
> it not also be fair to say that strident misogyny is threatening,
> particularly to many girls and women? - Yours, etc.,
>
> SARAH KENNY, Buckingham Street Lower, Dublin 1.
>
>
> ----------------
> Here's the letter:
>
> SUICIDE AMONG THE YOUNG
>
> Madam, - During all the Christmas hoo-ha we were told that Ireland is
> close to the top of the world list for youth suicide. Authorities are
> applying themselves to the search for reasons and solutions. Any of
us
> can put forward our own suggestions.
>
> My 20, necessarily briefly, are as follows:
>
> 1. Most parents claim to be "mad about" their children. The word
"mad"
> implies foolish, reckless, disorderly, confused. Schools do not
> adequately teach "relationships".
>
> 2. In dysfunctional homes parents simply do not know what to do about
> their own problems, not to speak of those of their children.
>
> 3. In affluent homes, everyone in the family has too much of the
> unnecessary and too little of the gentle, relaxed family
togetherness.
> Children are over-indulged, under-loved.
>
> 4. In neither type of home is there consistent discipline. Adults are
> stressed, overworked and preoccupied. Priorities are often confused.
>
> 5. Parents no longer seem to know how to reward or punish
> appropriately.
>
> 6. Children with inadequate boundaries are confused as to what are
true
> values.
>
> 7. Parents fear to be seen smacking children. Children kick and hit
> parents instead.
>
> 8. Having to do without anything is seen as intolerable failure;
> failure is misunderstood.
>
> 9. There is confusion between what is tragedy and what is mere
> inconvenience.
>
> 10 Alcohol and drugs fill emptiness and lack of esteem for self or
> others.
>
> 11. TV and media in general are the main educators in the majority of
> homes.
>
> 12. Teenagers' problems are seen as a "can of worms" better unopened
> because parents feel unable to cope with what might emerge. Such
"cans"
> should be opened.
>
> 13. Pain is not seen as a normal part of human life, which it is.
>
> 14. Strident feminism is threatening, particularly to many boys and
> men.
>
> 15. Young people can feel that they have no-one in whom to confide
> heart-to-heart.
>
> 16. Religion, spiritual and moral values, often poorly taught, are
> sidelined, ignored, belittled (at our peril).
>
> 17. Hence young men, especially, cannot find any ultimate purpose in
> life.
>
> 18. Uncaring, bullying and violence follow where meaninglessness
> prevails.
>
> 19. Relationships with significant adults are often incoherent,
> unreliable and inconsistent.
>
> 20. It is worth remembering that "if you don't stand for something,
you
> fall for anything". - Yours, etc.,
> ANGELA MACNAMARA, Lower Kilmacud Road, Dublin 14.

Well Angela replied: Irish Times, 22nd January 2005
FEMINISM AND FELINE FEET

Madam, - In response to Sarah Kenny (January 12th) I wish to clarify
briefly my view of feminism.

I believe in the advocacy of women's rights, the advancement and
emancipation of women. I think that women can gain their rights and
still retain their compassion, gentleness and dignity. To make another
person feel inferior should not be the objective of "equality".

Harsh, shrill, bullying and threatening women are doing a disservice to
womanhood. The alternative is certainly not "pussy-footing". - Yours,
etc.,

ANGELA MACNAMARA, Lower Kilmacud Road, Dublin 14.



--- UseNet To RIME Gateway {at} 1/21/05 10:29:01 PM ---