A chara, – Many men are offended by Una Mullally's linking of the Charlottesville rally to "toxic masculinity" (Opinion & Analysis, August 18th). I think it is important that women are also outspoken in opposition to this type of dangerous and divisive language.
Would The Irish Times have published an article blaming IS terrorist attacks on "toxic Islam"?
Would an article linking the abuse perpetrated by some nuns to “toxic femininity” be acceptable? I think not.
Most of those attending the rally were men, but that is not to say that some women do not hold the same racist views. Also, these men did not come out of a vacuum. How many of them were reared in homes headed up by racist and bigoted women?
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What about the “masculinity” of the majority of men who oppose these views?
There is no doubt that misogyny still exists and that women have to continue to oppose sexism in its many guises; however, a term such as “toxic masculinity” is offensive and sexist.
The article correctly demonstrates how the “alt-right” uses reasonable-sounding terminology to legitimise extreme views and cautions against absentmindedly adopting the same language.
However. this works both ways – the language used by women in the feminist cause is being watched very carefully by those who want to label feminists as just men-haters.
Words matter, and Una Mullally is in danger of feeding the trolls with hers. – Is mise,
KAY CHALMERS,
Douglas,
Cork.