Violent men do not just appear out of thin air. They are made. If boys are raised inhumanly, they will act inhumanly as men.
Susan Guibert, reported in 2010 on research on empathy from the University Of Notra Dame: ‘Ever met a kindergartener who seemed naturally compassionate and cared about others’ feelings? Who was cooperative and didn’t demand his way? Chances are his parents held, carried and cuddled him a lot; he most likely was breastfed; he probably routinely slept with his parents; and he was likely encouraged to play outdoors with other children …’
Nevertheless, psychology professor Darcia Narvaez says that in the US where studies have been conducted, ‘The US is on a downward trajectory on all of … [child] care characteristics. Instead of being held, infants spend more time in carriers, car seats and strollers than they did in the past. Only about 15 per cent of mothers are breastfeeding at all by 12 months, extended families are broken up, and free play allowed by parents has decreased dramatically since 1970.’
Susan writes, ‘research shows the health and well being of American children is worse than it was 50 years ago.’ Dehumanisation.
I presume the main function of V-Day is to impart this sort of information.
Geoff Dawe, Uki
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
