If I see one more snotty, arrogant, stuck-up college girl walking around with her nose in the air because (she’s pretty) or because her parents have given her a brand new sports car and lavish clothes, I think I’ll be physically ill.

In the wake of the news of rapes at NIU, I’d like to say that not all the hurting in relationships is perpetrated by men.

I’ve heard and read about women who desire sensitive, understanding, caring men, but are disappointed in the men they form relationships with. How often have these women shown equal understanding toward men?

How many women are sensitive to what it’s like to grow up and become a man in this society? Can any woman fathom the cruel lesson that is learned by a male when he’s laughed at or ignored because he doesn’t “measure up” to her arbitrary standards?

Men today are in a cruel double-bind. On one hand, we must be caring, sensitive and enlightened (and are persuaded to feel guilty if we can’t achieve all these god-like qualities). On the other hand, if we don’t uphold the old masculine, macho image, we risk ridicule and scorn.

Women who are not satisfied with their men should stop blaming men. Realize that we are human beings—entitled to mistakes and shortcomings. To men I say stand up and be yourself. Don’t feel you must conform to what society or the women’s movement wants you to be.

If men were able to value themselves for who they really are and did not have to be ashamed to openly vent their hostility toward women, they would not have to express themselves in violent crimes like rape.

Dan Taylor

history/sociology