[EDEQUITY Male Dialogue] Dissemination and Funding

From: Deborah Milligan (dlmul0@rangevilss.qld.edu.au)
Date: Fri Dec 15 2000 - 10:14:38 EST


Stephanie

I totally agree with you. I believe that a number of people have made a
business out of searching for profit out of the whole men and boys issue.
Because of this it is difficult to weed out those who are trying to help
because they truly believe in what they are doing and those who seek some
sort of financial gain. Having said that, if nothing else, those in the
latter category provide food for thought, debate and discussion. Here in
Australia we have people who are definitely only in it for the money and
this is so apparent it makes me ill- or they may have a slight interest in
the issue but more of an interest in book production. I belong to an
Australia based discussion group (like this one) and I am hard pressed to
stop myself from saying (typing?) something very rude when they advertise
during discussions.

The issue of funding is a stormy one. For so many years we had a special
projects officer to address the girls' issues in schools. When I enquired
as to whether a similar thing would be set up for boys, I was told that
yes, it is an important issue but basically don't call us, we'll call you.

So, scream I say, from the highest point you can find. Tell parents, fellow
educators, administrators and the like that there is a need and where's the
equity if we can make an effort for the girls (and thank God we did) but we
can't do the same thing for the boys.

Why are we plowing money into remedial classes in which boys far out number
girls when if we addressed boys self esteem and well being, reading and a
love of learning would naturally follow. Surely we label these boys as
failures by putting them into these classes. What messages are we sending
our boys that they will then carry with them through to adulthood???

Debbie



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