Letters: 'Shirley Manson is right. Misogyny isn’t one issue – it’s the root that so many grow out of'

Big Issue readers react to Garbage singer Shirley Manson’s Letter To My Younger Self

Responses to: Shirley Manson on misogyny

Shirley Manson made some very pertinent points about ongoing misogyny in the music industry but there’s
one statement I have to disagree with: “Patti Smith, Chrissie Hynde and Grace Jones are the first wave
the world has seen of septuagenarian women having a career in music.” 

Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Judi Collins, Joan Baez, Diana Ross, Tina Turner? Strong, talented role models.

Anne Amison   

Shirley Manson says, “If we solve misogyny, we solve so many other problems in our society.” She’s right, and it’s the part people keep missing. Misogyny isn’t one issue sitting in a row alongside all the others, it’s the root that so many of them grow out of. Shirley Manson has been saying the loud part out loud for 30 years.

@withshaking hands, Instagram

She’s 100% correct. Make it normal for men to speak up for women’s rights please.

@walkedenmick, Instagram

Fascinating article.

@paul_s_clayton, Instagram 

This is why healthy men’s spaces are a priority, not only to combat suicide but for men to process their emotions
in healthy ways so that they don’t end up projecting that into the world.

@the_mindful_dj, Instagram 

Maybe if we stop blaming and singling out groups based on broad assumptions and just respect each other we might get somewhere. But that ain’t happening. Social media has shown how little respect for people most have. We’re so far away from it. Sad times.

Rich Kingsmill, Facebook

You can’t solve misogyny or racism or sexism or any other prejudice. It’s how people feel about certain other people. That’s uncontrollable. You might not like it, but all you can do is ensure legislation protects everyone equally in your own country.

Gary Bisp, Facebook

The only way to get rid of misogyny is for Gen X menopausal women to take over. I’m up for it. Anyone else?

Joanne Isabel, Facebook

Safety first

Hello, I enjoyed the interview with Roddy Doyle. He says he enjoys reading on the train. I find that impossible with the unceasing and repetitive safety announcements! Perhaps it is different in Ireland.

David Halliday, Kidlington

Close to home

I wrote this poem after a recent brush with homelessness. What struck me about this experience was the inability to do usual things like sit and write at a desk or use the internet. The impact on my mental and physical health was eye-opening. I am grateful to have access to housing and have a new sense of compassion for those who are homeless.

Home

Someone to care for

Someone to keep

Somewhere big enough to move

Somewhere safe and dry to sleep

A place to be free! To think and to speak

To gather oneself, to cook and to eat

Together in kindness, in love and in warmth

A place to set off from and gladly return

For anyone weary, impoverished, alone

For those lost and scattered all over the globe

A mother, a child, a worker,
a son

May there be a decent home for each and every one.

Ian Gale, Totnes 

Read more:

• Shirley Collins: Heartbreak stole my voice. Singing again is extraordinary
• Joan Jett: Our early shows felt like a public execution
• Kim Wilde: ‘There’s no avoiding getting your heart broken’

Responses to: On the ground for the peasant uprising  

Just bought a copy, I love the article. Wat Tyler was a true hero. It’s a shame he and the peasant uprising as a whole is not as well known as it should be.

aldostottmorris_, Instagram

Fictional reports based on real events by contemporary journalists is great idea. I need more man-on-the-street accounts of historical events.

@sorryhat, Instagram

Love this. Please make this into a series of on-the-ground reporting on historical conflicts.

@concretespillage, Instagram

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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