St. Mikes issue reveals hyper-masculine subculture

Re I love St. Mike’s. Here’s what it got wrong. Mather, Dec. 1 I have to say that the opinion article by Liam Mather about the current crisis at St Mike’s was one of the most intelligent pieces of writing I have read in a long time.

It so eloquently describes the issues of the toxic, hyper-masculine subculture that so often exists in male-only environments, and the harm it can create if left unchecked by those in charge.

The prevailing attitude that “what happens in the locker room, stays in the locker room” is just so wrong.

Most importantly, the article addresses the often overlooked and devastating effect of this culture on the victims of abuse, whether male or female.

Well done, Mr. Mather. I hope all the St. Mike’s staff, alumni and parents who insist on placing the blame on the media rather than the cause will give your piece the attention it deserves. Attitudes must change and, I believe, this change must start at home from a very young age. John MacNabb, Burlington I’m mightily impressed with Mather’s article. Mr. Mather shows himself to be an intelligent and empathetic human being. The article also shows the need for an inclusive sex education curriculum such as the one that Doug Ford cancelled. Mr. Mather’s recognition that the “school is not the victim” and his suggestions for a wholesale examination of the “culture” are welcome, especially coming from a straight, cis-gender white male. I would like to suggest that this examination go beyond St. Mike’s. The culture of what Mr. Mather calls “hypermasculinity” is not just endemic to St. Mike’s or Catholic private schools or even all-boys schools, this is an issue that has deep roots in society in general. That is why going forward we need a wholesale change in education so that in future generations, starting now, we move toward ending the view that men are physically, economically and politically all-powerful to the exclusion of others. Thank you, Liam Mather, for your insightful, inspiring article. It should be required reading for all who call themselves “Progressive” Conservatives. Stephen Bloom, Toronto