Experience the Masculinity

You too can be a New Warrior: Your cover article ["Feel Sorry for Men," August 17] distracted readers from the legitimacy and honor of men doing men's work. We do not ask for nor do we need society to "feel sorry for men." In our judgment, the "men's movement" is not a reaction to feminism or a movement away from women or any other group that feels in competition with modern, patriarchal social structures. More accurately, current men's work appears to be a movement toward authentic masculine experience. It is within this deep experiencing of masculinity that men discover a great capacity for healthy relationships, not only with other men, but also with women and the larger society as well. The ManKind Project offers men the opportunity to look deeper into their lives and to make healthy and personally empowered choices about their future. Through "The New Warrior Training Adventure" and other training programs, men are challenged to live lives of integrity, accountability, and connection to feeling. Moreover, they are given the opportunity to identify and embrace their life's mission with a renewed sense of passion and responsibility. For more information, we invite you to check out our website at http://www.MKP.org.

The New Warrior Community of The ManKind Project
Cleveland/Akron

Just don't get physical: I am going to have to disagree with one point in Jenna Koplovic's letter of August 31 [re: "Feel Sorry for Men"]. Men are not as oppressed as women. Women are raped, beaten, and killed at far higher rates than adult males.

Don't get me wrong. I have sympathy for the ways in which men are socialized to express their emotions only through anger, and I have a deep well of sympathy for men who experience rape. It is sad, but women are socialized almost to expect that sort of thing in life; when it happens to a man who is never expecting to be raped or beaten at any point in his adult life, it can seem far more horrible, because the support is just not there [for male victims]. But let's not exaggerate. Being socialized into not being able to properly express one's emotional state cannot be equated with its often tragic results for women.

Lakitha Tolbert
Cleveland

A chance for the mayors to bury the hatchet -- and the highway: Erick Trickey, in his article "Hard Landing" [August 24], neglects an option that would solve the Hopkins Airport expansion border war. Since the airport is Cleveland's property, the only way to expand would be to the north. Alternately, put Brookpark Road and I-480 underground and lengthen the runways northward. Imagine the state-of-the-art terminal, accessed from the highway through underground/low-level parking garages and an underground concourse. I realize this is a more expensive proposition, but if other cities can bury highway systems, why can't Cleveland go that extra mile and do something really amazing? The FAA and the federal and state transportation departments should be willing to lend a hand, to help create construction jobs and future hotel, entertainment, etc. jobs that will come with a truly international airport.

Thanks for the forum to vent.

Matt Johnson
via the Internet

At least, not before he leaves town: I'm writing in response to the article on Alice Cooper in the August 31 edition of Scene, written by Kurt Hernon. It's sad that Mr. Hernon knows nothing about the history and legacy of Alice Cooper. It's sad that Scene magazine would allow a negative article on Alice to appear before his appearance. And it's sad that Mr. Hernon would claim that Mr. Cooper is a "far better golfer than rock and roller."

As an on-air personality at Rock 107 in Canton, I know rock and roll and I know the Coop. Alice Cooper is an institution; he laid the foundation for other bands, being the first to bring theatrics to rock. Before KISS, before Sabbath, before Manson, before Gwar, there was Alice. Alice Cooper is a great songwriter, and he continues to showcase this talent today.

I'm disappointed in Scene for allowing Mr. Hernon to write an article with no research and no substance. Alice Cooper is a revolutionary figure in rock and roll and a wonderful and brilliant stage performer. With over 30 years under his belt, a handful of great and successful albums, and a legion of fans, it's time he's given the credit he deserves. He's still rocking, he's still touring, and he's still producing memorable recordings and performances. Mr. Hernon seems to think you have to be young to rock -- tell that to Mick Jagger.

Chris Boros ([email protected])
Bedford