A letter from a member of the public

This letter was sent to us from a non-member. We have removed real names to provide privacy.

Sent: Friday, January 12, 2001 00:51

Subject: Feminism on Radio 2

Dear [UKMM],

I was reminded of the MM tonight as I drove home when, listening to BBC Radio 2, heard Johnny Walker in discussion with a female 'lecturer' from [a new university], (they call themselves le grande University now).

The topic was 'training for the construction industry'.

This was a set of courses designed and intended specifically and ONLY for women, to give them a foothold into that industry. It was NOT intended to teach them the basics of building and construction, but more the aesthetic, managerial side of it. She said women are good managers; one has to assume that she also means that men may not be so. She also mentioned 'suits' and 'a mobile', whilst describing the role she had in mind for her students. There was only one criteria she said, for course entry; that you are a woman!

The inference is unequivocably clear, that the area where actual work is performed such as labouring, brick laying, carpentry are beneath her dignity, and are probably, one has to assume, outside the realm of the women she is preparing for entry into what she sees as 'the male domonated world'.

Incidently, if you had kids, there would be free nursery care. (to releave the silly cretins from their moral duty).

All this was to be funded ENTIRELY by the EEC!

For a start her every utterance was downright sexist. Had I uttered such dithering crap on the airwaves, the mic would have swiftly been removed!!!!! And Johnny Walker, the A-typical lap-dog of 60s/70s vintage, carried on in that weak-witted, flirtatious manner in which most men appear to hold conversation with women these days.

What struck me so forcefully was the realization that over the past 20 years men and their families have SUFFERED intolerably from being unemployed. Many broken homes and heart-broken children, have been the result! Yes, and with claims made by these same people of being a child centred society. How many times do we hear this bullshit, whilst the very children they speak of are being emotionally ABUSED!!

How many similar, free opportunities have been on offer to men!?!? Yes, well, so what, they can look after themselves an, hey, the family?, whats that?

As far as I can tell, having discussed it also with my wife, what they are doing is illegal under the sex discrimination act, British and European, and should be challenged in the courts. I'm not sure how this could be done, but maybe send a willing father in to apply, and when they refuse him, start proceedings.

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Thankfully I am Happily married with 3 children.

If you can manage it, I would appreciate a reply to the above mail address, I would be interested in how you respond to my point of view.

.....

Kind regards

ps. please do not publish name or address, thanks

Comment : How many others are there out there who are remaining silent ?