Lost Boys

I was sent this article from the Times entitled, "Who's to blame for our last boys?"
It's a compressed version of a forthcoming book but is well worth a read. Sue Plamer argues that Masculinity, in it's role and values, has been 'neutered' by cultural shifts during the last century and particularly by the rise of feminism. She argues that boys need the company, influence and role-modelling of other men, but more than that, male led activity that can usefull harness and develop teenage boys' adolescent energy. She sees this as something that has been lost and calls for the importance of the male parent but more than that, male role-models, mentors and friends.

The article in my opinion was a bit too scathing of feminism, when its' thesis is actually only critiquing one unfortunate bi-product, but as a cultural reflection it is well worth a read. For me, the author has identified a lot of issues that we observe as youth workers (in fact It acts as an involuntary endorsment of youth work but then I would say that). The article is a rallying cry for time and energy investment in the lives of young men. Palmer argues that even for young people that are fortunate to have a committed and involved father, that friends and mentors outside of the family are key. However for young people who lack a father, this piece is a very hard hitting (and rightly so) call that the community needs to offer male led opportunity, challenge and risk to our adolescent boys.

Reading only a vignette is always going to leave some questions hanging in the air so I'm going to get the book I reckon, review to follow.

ht to Yellow Braces uber techy Chris