Misandrosy and Mills College Students’ Battle to Bar Men
The column from the assistant professor of theology, about alleged “man-hating” at Mills, was curious (“In Academe, Misogyny Meets Its Match: Misandrosy,” by Patrick M. Arnold, Commentary, May 14). Here is a Jesuit priest who is currently writing a book on masculine spirituality--obviously a special kind of man. Now the good father is upset that the women of Mills College prefer the company of other women in their continuing studies.
Does he write a sweet, well-reasoned note, gently chiding Mills students for seeking the companionship and support of their sisters? Hell, no! This product of an all-male seminary--who would probably react furiously were even a “spiritual male” to enroll in a convent--this temperate priest did a Jimmy Breslin: He wrote a nasty, intemperate, bigoted, name-calling, woman-hating diatribe.
As a man whose sister was a nun and whose brother was a priest, I am ashamed of Arnold and his “toxic-sexist” soul. Fortunately, the women of Mills won’t hate him, only pity him. His essay reflects one of the reasons they do not wish to study with men.
RONAN O’CASEY
Los Angeles