If a man had written such crude generalizations about women as Caitlin Moran did about men, it would have never been published in this newspaper (Caitlin Moran: what’s gone wrong for men – and the thing that can fix them, 1 July). Throughout my life, men have always shared their problems with me. Recently, one even flew all the way from Sweden to the Netherlands just to help me come to terms with fatherhood. Even in my late teens, a school friend confided in me.
Gaby Hinsliff did an outstanding job of debunking Caitlin Moran’s misguided claims (No, Caitlin Moran: men do talk about their feelings – and birthday parties, and plaits, 7 July). Her argument was well-reasoned and based on facts. In short, it surpassed my own abilities.
Martin Greineder
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
As a 57-year-old steelworker with nearly 40 years of experience, I have witnessed significant changes in the past 10 to 15 years, as Gaby Hinsliff correctly points out. Older individuals like myself now frequently engage in discussions about our feelings at work, whether positive or negative. This openness has had tangible benefits for our workforce, as younger colleagues often join in. It only takes a few courageous individuals to voice their thoughts, and suddenly we are sharing thoughts that were previously kept hidden.
Personally, having overcome various challenges in life, I now find myself chatting with younger colleagues who are going through similar experiences, and they sincerely appreciate it. In my opinion, the number of individuals requiring intervention or sick leave for such issues has decreased.
I firmly believe that education and social environment play significant roles in mental health, and we must continue to advocate for improvements in both areas. However, simply talking about our feelings is making a difference, at least in my experience.
Robert Pearson
Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire
Upon reading Gaby Hinsliff’s commendation of men, I couldn’t help but think, “Finally, advocacy for equality for men.” It is undoubtedly a shame that women still do not have equal rights with men, even in supposedly enlightened western democracies where progress is being made. It is disgraceful how many men continue to oppose gender equality.
However, Gaby Hinsliff has highlighted that men and women experience the same range of emotions, worries, and fears. While acknowledging men’s ability to openly express their emotions may pale in comparison to the fight for basic equality that women face, it may, in some small way, contribute to the pursuit of equal rights.
John Robinson
Lichfield, Staffordshire
Gaby Hinsliff may find solace in the fact that men are willing to talk. I engage in conversations with strangers everywhere: in coffee bars, on buses, and on park benches. By initiating conversations, often with light-hearted remarks like greeting a baby in a stroller with, “Ah! A new citizen,” it grants permission for others to open up in return.
Prof Ken Baldry
London
Prejudice and sanctimony hinder openness and honesty. If Gaby Hinsliff wants to hear from men about their emotional awareness, she should use a more emotionally intelligent term than “mansplanation.” It left me feeling disheartened and condescended to.
Paul McLintic
Harlow, Essex
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