Editor's Note: Carol Costello’s report on “Male Studies” generated varied opinion from Wednesday’s American Morning audience. Some were unconvinced that such a program would be of any value, others provided a more historical perspective, noting that “throughout human history, the world's social pendulum has swung between male dominated society and female dominated society.”
- Al: Regarding males living in a woman's world, throughout human history, the world's social pendulum has swung between male dominated society and female dominated society. That is, at least in part, how the pantheon of gods and goddesses came to be. In male dominated societies, the deities were male, symbolizing the fact that males should be in charge, because the gods were male. In female dominated societies, the deities' sexes were changed to female for the same basic reasons. We are just witnessing the transitional phase of the pendulum's current cycle.
- Dean: It would be great if Male Studies and other efforts reduced male bashing and "dumb guy commercials" and clarify the distortions expressed in books like "Who Stole Feminism?" For example, where is the data to support the "fact" that "it isn't about sex; it is about power and control." Ask any horndog sniffing around any environment; It is about sex! Or do the data show that most men explain that pleading and begging for sex is to make them feel powerful?
- Wes: Regarding Carol Costello's report on masculinity, I suggest she check out the book, "Knights Without Armor: A Guide to the Inner Lives of Men" by Aaron Kipnis, Ph.D.
- Ron: It is true that men are not men like it once was and that is in part due to NOW and the men let it happen. Mother's want girls and when they have boys they treat them like girls. Thus, we have boys that are not boys, plain and simple.
How do you feel about the idea of a “Male Studies” academic program? Continue the conversation below.