Sir, - As a grandson of Patrick Kennedy, who together with his great friend, the patriot Thomas MacDonagh, founded the ASTI, I am appalled to learn from Mary T. Cleary of Amen (0ctober 17th) that the ASTI had a hand in drawing up "Exploring Masculinities".
The founders must be turning in their graves! How on earth anyone can say that masculinity is learned and does not come naturally is beyond me. Even the tiniest toddler will display gender traits without being conscious of it.
This was brought home to me a few years ago when my grandson of two years of age walked up behind our dog, which was lying in his path. He unhesitatingly applied the toe of his shoe to the dog's behind to shift it. On seeing this I thought there was no doubt of his gender.
Let us get away from this feminist nonsense and let boys be boys and girls be girls as the good Lord ordained. - Yours, etc.,
Brian P. ╙ Cinneide, Essenwood Road, Durban, Republic of South Africa.