<p>NDparents's comment -- interpretation, "they desreve what they get", please be assured, I was not suggesting that. What I am suggesting, however, is that boys/men are being slammed with mixed messages, some of which are exhibited through provocative dancing, attire, etc... yet they are being hammered with sexual harrassment accusations if they so much a compliment a woman! A compliment, sincerely administered, can be interpreted as a sexual advance. Cleavages abound, skirts reach heights of revealing lengths while midriffs expose what lies above the skirt, tight, tight tops -- blouses, shirts, etc... leave little to the imagination, etc. , etc., etc.......So the male looks -- and he is chastised. Once again, I don't get it. What would one expect? Men/boys are not neuter -- they are men with instincts. Why is it that some women tease to turn on these instinctive reaction -- yet become punitive if a man responds, even when it's respectfully with a verbal recognition -- nowhere near the extent of any physcal contact? Perhaps, in reality, the "they deserve what they get" mindset is being applied and cosidered accptable to the other sex! What irony!
I am aware of corporate world training, whereby males are told NOT to look into the eyes of females when conducting business in an office setting. Yet no instruction or admonition is directed to females. I was stunned by this, yet males seem to have to tolerate the blatant discrimination. Or do they?
I am aware of a discrimination suit recently launched by a male student in the Boston area who seems to believe that there is discrimination against males in the public schools. Interesting. It will be an eye-opner, I am sure.
Common sense. Where is it? Mutual respect. Where is it?
BTW, is there any initiative, program directed at the plight of males and some of the challenges they face in this New Age world? I won't be so crass as to suggest the male alternative for the VM, but you get my drift. Come to thionk of it, if there is to be equality, indeed why not devote some attention to the plight of males and some of the inequities they must endure? Is there some reaction to this? Have any of you boys/men ever sincerely complimented or reacted positively to a woman and in turn were accused of something you had never intended?
Honestly, I believe Fr. Jenkins is on the right path. Perhaps the VM has some merit, but it is not the only venue to understanding, communication, etc...</p>