Welcome best of both genders
Re: Ten game changers, March 8. Bravo for this outstanding article on addressing gender balance. The writers propose a multitude of well-reasoned options and examples of the types of significant steps that would move the needle forward in a meaningful way.
The complexity of the challenges we face in today’s world cannot be left to testosterone alone, nor to half-measures. Could we not do better by encouraging the best of both genders, more fairly and equally, to achieve our objectives?
But note: Applicants will require wisdom and courage to defy the status quo. P.S.: Bullies need not apply. Murray Esselmont, Chelsea
New $10 Bill is political correctness
Re: Viola Desmond — and her trail-blazing defiance — takes her place on $10 bill, March 9.
I think it is unfortunate that Dr. Frederick Banting was born male. Otherwise, his lifelong work developing insulin as a treatment for diabetes — which led to the saving of millions of lives around the world — would have earned him the spot. Sadly, being a man, he doesn’t rate.
Once again, political correctness gets it wrong.
Jim Harris, Ottawa
Let’s tackle mindset that rape is acceptable
Re: The Rapist’s Awful Mindset, March 8.
This article is right on. It describes what seems to be the mindset very well.
When I was first getting to know her, a woman I once knew told me, almost at the outset, “Don’t ever touch me.” She wasn’t reacting to anything I’d done — she was making things clear from the start. Several years later, she told me she’d been raped before I met her. By then, it seems she’d decided she trusted me enough to want to have a hug.
It seems that, living in a society where men have the mindset described and feel entitled about rape, it took my friend that long to even say out loud to a male friend that she’d been raped.
She probably blamed herself. It’s that reluctance to talk about it that probably feeds the male mindset that they’re in the right and have nothing to feel guilty about. It also conceals the prevalence of sexual assault.
There are probably many more women I’ve known whom I’ve had no idea have been sexually assaulted at some point.
Bob Thomas, Ottawa
Don’t Compromise on hiring standards
Re: Are police tests inappropriate for women? March 2.
This article informs us that the Ottawa Police Service is considering a new recruitment strategy that will better reflect greater diversity in its ranks; increased hiring of women, people of colour and other diverse backgrounds.
Given that only 45 per cent of women who apply get through the current process, selection standards are being called into question.
Do they accurately reflect what is legitimately required of a police officer’s duties? Are they too tough?
I am not against diversity in the workplace; it is necessary in today’s changing society.
However, what is offensive is the potential “dumbing-down” of selection standards to achieve politically correct institutional targets.
It is wrong. Articulate a legitimate standard, invite applicants, and hire against it.
David Craig, Ottawa