Hello Shannon!
Thank you for your comments. I just had to write about these young men and the efforts they put toward themselves and those around them. Can you tell me a little more about The Gentlemen's Association? I am always interested to know about males who are striving for better. Thanks for your contributions and support of young men!
Best Regards,
Dr. Rod

What do you mean by switching links?

Hello Dr. Mistler,
Thank you for the post and thoughtful words. I agree with you that focus on the relationship is key for the positive development of all males. I would contend, though, that a significant portion of our gender struggles to understand the principles of listening. Listening is a skill that takes practice and a fair amount of reflection to be successful. So many males feel as though they are not listened to and have not been since childhood. Practice makes permanent as my old high school basketball coach once said...and this is no exception. We have it in us to be good listeners...we just need to know the fundamentals to get us going. Thanks for making me think.
Warm Regards,
Rod Berger, PsyD

Great Post Mr. Atchison! I couldn't agree more with your position that manhood is a privilege and that self-reflection/examination is required to evolve as an individual and gender. I am struck how males in general have no concept of what normal behavior/feelings actually encompass the male experience. So many messages from the media are drummed into young boys heads that normal behavior means that their fathers aren't around, can't make even a p-b-&-j sandwich, and only communicates when he has his friend Miller Lite nearby. Thanks for your work...we are a small contingency but mighty nonetheless. :)
Warm Regards,
Dr. Rod

Hi Dr. Neder,
Thanks for your thorough response. I wasn't sure if you would respond since we have different approaches. I am in full agreement with your rationale for "colorful language" and its place for certain audiences. Personally, I am a professional who is often turned off by other doc's who want to go in the reverse and alienate their audience with "peer reviewed jargon" and concepts only appropriate for boring conferences and out-of-date seminars. I think, though, that one can swing too far thus reducing credibility. I would ask you this...even though you may win "entertainment points" for your approach...how would you say you are improving men's lives? Would you say your approach helps males as we enter a new day and age for our gender where we aren't the only "kids on the block?"
Dr. Rod

Hi Dr. Neder,
I enjoyed reading your answers to Tom's questions. I am puzzled though in the way you represent yourself on this site and the very different way you represent males on your web-based television show. I will say that I have watched only one episode and struggle to see how young boys/men would take away lessons as you speak of in this article. I can appreciate our different approaches...I just struggle to see how "colorful" language and discussions of porn makeovers are valuable to young boys/men that are in dire need of appropriate role models who speak against negative stereotypes instead of promoting them. Thank you for making me think.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Rod
The Normal Male
http://thenormalmale.wordpress.com
http://twitter.com/thenormalmale

Fascinating poll! I wish that I could remain p.c. and say that everyone has the right to be a parent, but I have seen so many examples where I would have to say otherwise. I am not saying or wishing ill-will on any of the beautiful children born already, but what I am saying is that we either have to enact a law (how unwieldy!!) or provide folks with parental training and support. Yes it would be expensive, but how much could it save to the system at-large? I think the savings would be tremendous! Thoughts?
Dr. Rod
http://thenormalmale.wordpress.com
http://twitter.com/thenormalmale

Hi Tom,
I will say that I missed the poll you referenced, but am none the less intrigued by the results you speak of. My opinion is that the results speak to the fear most have when thinking of men rearing children. I can think of countless good and well-intentioned women who comment about their husbands inability to take care of the children...or the amount of work they have to do to insure their husbands can re-heat dinner or help Sally with her homework. This is why I think we, Normal Males, need to do a better job of speaking out against generalizations, speak for good men who need some assistance, and act as role models for boys and young men who want a different image to aim for. I would also say that the fear has definitely impacted males in education as well. There are so few men as educators that it is astounding. I am a former assistant principal and had these discussions with my staff all the time because of their fear that working alone with a student etc would bring accusation. The male teachers had different rules to keep students "safe" and it impacted the ability of the teacher to feel connected to the students they served. Very interesting! Thanks for making me think today...
Dr. Rod

Dr. Thompson,
Thank you so much for your kind words. It is nice to know of another professional who "gets" it. My constant struggle remains that academia continues to do strong work in this area...it is just so inaccessible to society at-large. I applaud your efforts with your book as it will do a lot of good for both men and women. Thanks again!
Dr. Rod
http://thenormalmale.wordpress.com