Uni stakeholders clash on agendas
Universities are between a rock and a hard place (“Universities ‘too focused on money’, Ombudsman says”, April 12). They need money to employ large numbers of high-testosterone students at high wages, and these students expect an effective return on investment. Unis cannot accommodate the wishes of stakeholders such as staff, students and government who have different agendas. International students new to Australia and the Australian university experience, culture etc. add; You have the perfect recipe for disaster. Strangely, universities run courses on conflict, finance, human resources and budget management, but they cannot manage themselves. These students will work in the industry and what kind of contributions will they make with their experiences in studies that do not have faith in their lessons? Mukul Desai Avcılar Hill
The story about universities provokes the reaction that we are all focused on micro-interpretations rather than the big picture. We may not have noticed, our civilization is experiencing a shift. Money-driven universities are just a micro view of the maximum picture. We get so distracted by all these silly details that we trick ourselves into some kind of mindless lemming walk over the abyss. Can someone please wake us up from this completely catatonic stupidity? Maybe that’s what the background to Trump’s rise is ultimately about? Where is the healthy living plan planned for our future? Is it too difficult to get a handle on the big picture? Neville Williams, Darlinghurst
If universities want to develop our students in undergraduate, graduate or research fields and make our country better, they need appropriate funding. How will our Ombudsman do his job without funding? Let it go unfunded and see if it can stay that way. Allan Fozzard, St Ives
Absence
Sometimes the problem may be the presence of incompetent fathers in the home (“Lost men in the manosphere doco”, April 12). Fathers who are there but not there, which in itself paints a seemingly good picture of happy family roles but in essence creates a disturbingly dysfunctional role model of what a father and masculinity looks like to a child – especially a son seeking guidance on his place in the family. Possibly the absence of a father figure, but the presence of a “good” mother or a wise male mentor (these beings do exist) is better than a father who is often emotionally absent from his child, often performing the role of a manosphere-feeding, play-oriented, depressive and misogynist male. Judy Finch, Taree
After recently watching Louis Theroux’s documentary, I read Parnell Palme McGuinness’s analysis of this documentary with interest. In his view, the missing fathers of the men interviewed are the “main contributors” to what the men in the documentary sell as masculinity “without having good role models themselves.” This may very well be the case, but the message I received was slightly different. For all the influencers’ proclamations about “exerting control in relationships because that’s what women really want,” it seemed clear that these were ideas they didn’t actually believe; they are only in this for the money (sponsorship through advertising) that this disgusting fame brings. I think all of us, not just Theroux, are uncomfortable with being on the “edges of this world,” where men exploit other men and endanger women in exchange for money, not out of belief in the philosophy of masculinity. Kerrie Wehbe, Blacktown
Benefits of PCIT
The tremendous benefits of the PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) program are clear and dynamic (“One-way mirrors, headphones and no more meltdowns,” April 12). Incorporated into schools with purpose-built facilities and involving parents and children as well as teachers, the program appears to be changing the lives of children (and their families). Interestingly, there is no specific mention of fathers or close male role models; The necessity of child development was later emphasized in Parnell Palme McGuinness’ analysis. Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphereto. More studies and program implementation across the state are important. Janice Creenaune, Austinmer
Banking bias
It is impossible to miss One Nation’s double standards (“Byelection candidates clash over Facebook post,” April 12). Apparently it’s okay that they’re funded by Gina Rinehart, but it’s okay that Michelle Milthorpe, an independent candidate in Farrer, has support from the grassroots group Climate200. A little rich. Amy Hiller, Kew (Vic)
Naming rights
I was lucky to become a grandmother in my early 50s, and I couldn’t wait for my beloved grandson to give me a traditional name (“No Nanna: Grandparents choose their own nicknames,” April 12). I wanted to emulate and continue my precious grandmother’s legacy. There are a lot of people who could call me funny names, but this is an exclusive club of six people who can use that particular title. I think people need to get over their fear of aging; This brings many wonderful experiences that are the crowning glory of grandparenthood. Of course, if you’re looking for a name that reflects your youth, Bottoxy or Filly might be fun. Elisabeth Goodsall, Wahroonga
When I became a grandparent fourteen years ago, I too chose not to be called Nanna; The name I chose became a name used by close members of my family, namely my daughters and their husbands. A very happy CC. Carol Horton, North Sydney
spud talk
In the 1970s, food writer and restaurant critic Leo Schofield referred to the ubiquitous foil-wrapped baked potato, often served with sour cream and chives, as the “terrible Idaho potato” (“Hot potato! The classic jacket is back,” April 12). From that moment on, my mother and father always joked and did the same. Lisa Clarke, Watsons Bay
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