'Reader urges respect, mentoring and positive role models to combat misogyny' - Your Letters plus a 1979 archive image of a Boxing Day gathering

​Respect comes from culture

A recent report highlighted a new school initiative 'schools will teach boys how to respect women and girls. 

That is difficult when the internet remains a cesspit of unregulated content.

How many conversations have you had with men where it becomes abundantly clear why a young man or child did what they did or said what they said to disrespect a woman or girl?

So what are grandmas, aunts, big sisters or teachers for? 

Without family values of respect with woman, what happens in our communities? 

The result, it seems, is a rise in violence and disrespect against women.

Lets cultivate character, modelling healthy masculinity, building strong relationships with trusted adults and give boys responsibility trust and agency.

Respect is best encouraged through culture, consistency and credible role models not state dictates and tick box regulations.

Invest in schools, positive school culture, mentoring and adult modelling not only guidance and regulation. 

There many positive male success stories that we can learn from.

If we want boys to reject toxic narratives and behaviour we must clearly give them something better to belong to and share with others.

Our laws can be improved not least in supporting women attacked by men. Police, courts and social service all need to improve.

However, if we all show more respect for one another and listen to and engage positively with learning and sharing ideas in our schools and communities everyone can help defeat the dangerous culture of misogyny.

Doug James, Midlands

Is it time to check hearing?

Christmas and New Year is a time for connecting with loved ones and enjoying plenty of festivities, gatherings and conversation. However, for those with undiagnosed hearing loss, this time of year sometimes feels like a struggle and can be isolating.

Over the festive period, you may have noticed yourself or a loved one struggling to hear. Perhaps you were turning the TV up, struggling to follow conversations at Christmas gatherings or frequently asking people to repeat what they said. You or a loved one may have found it harder to hear on the phone or felt others were mumbling.

Our free three-minute online hearing check at rnid.org.uk/check can be the first step on your journey to find out if you should see someone about your hearing and get our advice on what to do next. Kickstart your new year in the right way and keep everyone part of the conversation!

Crystal Rolfe, RNID

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