Owen Jones (The modern man’s dilemma: how not to be a macho feminist, 25 February) does not take his argument far enough. Yes, men need to tackle “attitudes within their ranks that make possible the objectification of women”, but simply “speaking out” is too vague. If men really want to change their appropriation of power from women they need to challenge each other at home, in the workplace, in public and particularly in private, in mixed and in single-sex groups. Women also need to challenge each other for lazy stereotyping with comments such as: “You know what men are like.”
Judy Debenham
London
• To add to the article by Owen Jones, I would say that women need to be open to the inclusion of men as we strive for equality. My son, who is a feminist, went to join his university’s feminism society only to be shunned and his presence to be thought of as suspicious by the majority of the women present. My son has three older sisters who are feminists, along with both of his parents. These women did not wish to listen to my son’s narrative and did not appreciate that for change to occur, men need to be encouraged and allowed to be part of enabling that change.
Shirley Brooks
Liverpool
• The Guardian online advertising algorithm matched an article on the discrimination suffered by women in academia with an advert for laundry products. To further underline the irony, the actress wore a 1950s floral frock. Perhaps you could update your perceptions of what a modern clever woman is interested in.
Dr Sarah Flew
Godalming, Surrey
• Now that “pinkification” has been declared patronising and wrong, what colour ribbon should we all wear for Breast Cancer Awareness month?
Jean Northam
Exeter, Devon
