Hooray for Susan J. Berkson (”Violence and the invisible male,” July 29). Finally, someone has the courage to say what should have been said long ago regarding the true power group in American culture. Perhaps the silence will now be broken and women will begin to realize the absurdity of the following positions:
– I dislike violent toys, games and behavior, but my son needs this kind of play and activity if he is to be ”normal.”
– If a man becomes violent, it is my fault because I went ”too far”
verbally.
– A man is unable to control his temper. Violent solutions to problems are part of being male.
– Women are too kind and good. They can never be in power positions because they must be more aggressive; i.e., emulate violent male behavior in order to be taken seriously.
There are many more illusions concerning male violence that women prop up to excuse violent behavior in adult males and perpetuate in the raising of their sons.
Thank you, Susan, for focusing the shining light of truth on this issue. All of our lives could be improved as a result.
