Earlier today Ally Fogg, a Guardian columnist, posted an interesting blog piece in advance of International Men’s Day, which is next Tuesday:
http://freethoughtblogs.com/hetpat/2013/11/15/can-you-make-me-shut-up-for-a-few-hours
I’ve just posted the following comment, and invite you to post your own comment.
Ally, thanks for this… There is of course a ‘chicken and egg’ situation here. One reason men often don’t seek help is that they’ve learned that when they do, there’s little or no support available – certainly true of the state, but often from families and friends too, including male family members and friends, it has to be said. On one of our blog pieces a (female) social worker reported that when a homeless woman contacts her on a Friday afternoon she’s required to supply her with what she requests of the following – accommodation, clothing, food, money. When a homeless man contacts her, she’s required to send him back onto the street with NOTHING. Homelessness is of course a major risk factor for suicide, 90% of homeless people are men, and British men are three times more likely than British women to commit suicide. It’s not too hard to join up the dots, is it?
Good response Mike. Sounds like there are still many journalists in denial to the realities of the situation.