Peeing contests

A perusal of the letter columns in the major newspapers indicate a majority of male letter writers. The letter columns in the newspaper offers an opportunity for persons of all walks of life to offer their opinions and inputs on various topical issues including public policies. However, the abundance of male writers is a bit of concern. It is obvious that some gender balance is needed.

In addition to the sex of the authors of the letters, the tone of the letters is also very masculine. The tone is often not of discussion but persons more interested in touting their perspective without any real interest in the other person’s or in reconciliation. Some of them are simply egotistical and the authors literally bragging and shouting (two political commentators and a doctor really stand out). Quite frankly reading through the letters, I am reminded of boys having a peeing contest when I was 6. The only objective was bragging rights of who can pee the furthest. Girls did not participate because they did not have the necessary anatomy but also we thought it was a stupid and futile exercise. Maybe that is one explanation of why women are absent from letter writing to the newspapers and participation in the society.

Also, if the men had engaged in more peeing contests and playing in general when they were boys there would not be the need to have academic peeing contests as adults in the letter writing columns of the newspapers and politics. Yours faithfully, (Name and address supplied)