Football, fighting and feminism: some traps for men today

The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

So where does this leave men today? No thanks, we are not confused, as many journalists like to suggest. It's just hard at times to know what to say, without being attacked by someone. And of course, we men don't speak our mind about sexual politics - until we are very confident of our audience.

Men today are beset by challenges. We don't get the respect we once had as breadwinners and heads of a family. We have to monitor our own health and worry about loved ones. We often have to travel long hours to get to workplaces. Many males seem overstretched trying to balance work, health, keeping up with technology and helping in the family. We are often under suspicion as potential molesters, with the continuing saga of entertainers convicted for pedophilia. All in a moment when being a man isn't always wonderful, with hassles about separation and child support and people happily attacking "deadbeat dads" , generalizing that faults in a few embrace all of us.

Thank heavens many of us do have loving daughters. And grandkids who think we're great. Partners who support us. As well as our own loving families. Life as a man isn't too bad, mostly. It would just be nice if some of the foolish people in the media gave us more credit for having some brains and a bit of sensitivity. That would just be- fabulous. We all love our Families. That might be one "F" that makes nearly all of us happy.