Okay here's my thinking:
In response to Coombs' I see it both ways, meaning I see his point as well as what ClassyLAdy said.
Men do not have the same type of support systems that women have. Women will call up their girfriends, mamas, etc. We will pray. Seek a counselor. Whatever it takes. A greater majority of women do that then men, by and large, regardless of education. I have to make my boyfriend talk to me and tell me what is wrong. He is used to internalizing which is not good AT ALL.
Men have been conditioned to have a rough exterior, to not show their pain, etc. etc. But this is so wrong. Think of how many men, ESPECIALLY BLACK MEN, die early. . .
A lot of it (my hypothesis) is due to the lack of support systems/emotional outlets that could lessen their daily tensions.
When I read this article, I saw my brother, my father, my boyfriend, and my future unborn sons. I saw my former male students, especially the ones who struggled to form an identity and make sense of the world around them.
Black men are strong. Black women are strong as well. Somewhere though the differences in the strength has left a lot of our Black men without the means to communicate, look to others for emotional support, etc.
Question for the men: How many of you tell your friends that you love them? Meaning that male friend who has been down for you since Heck was a pup that you love him. Too many men do not communicate that feeling VERBALLY. . .
Women, do you tell your women friends that you love them? I have no problem telling my sistas that I love them at all.
Women, do you agree with what Susan Taylor wrote?
These are just my thoughts.