Madam, - Every time I read about the "decline" of masculinity (Letters, October 19th) or the need to "redefine" masculinity, I wonder what is declining or what needs to be redefined.
The essential masculine attributes of rationality, aggression and competitiveness don't change over time. The way in which they are expressed changes from generation to generation and from culture to culture and within each generation and culture.
Sometimes one gets the impression that today's young males grew up with role models who grunted through a day's hunting and on the way home attacked a rival tribe and dragged away their womenfolk by the hair. In fact, most of them grew up in a fairly feminised environment with fathers in a largely supportive role rather than as a sole breadwinner and the main figure of authority.
In my experience (I am a 55-year-old father) most men are quite content with this role, as are their children and wives. I accept that there is a very strong argument for men doing more housework, but that is an issue that can be addressed only at the micro-level of each household.
When most of our generation was growing up our mothers were the main figures of moral authority and the keepers of the family purse (when there was anything in it).
To assume that all men wish to conquer the world and will feel emasculated if they are not allowed to go a-whoopin' and a-hollerin' and subjugating everyone is as erroneous as assuming that all women want to be cookie-bakin' mums or President of The Whole World.
So could we bring a bit of common sense to the discussion? - Yours, etc,
TOM FARRELL, Swords, Co Dublin.