9) They sometimes devalue critical thinking in favor of "experiencing" without self-analysis or reflection.
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| Thinking (and emotional literacy) Welcome |
This doesn't fit at all; critical thought is not discouraged. In fact, there are opportunities throughout the weekend for critical thinking. Men aren't pushed or pulled into "experiencing"; this isn't a rave. As I've blogged before, all exercises are what I call "challenge by choice": a man can elect to not participate. So much for devaluing critical thinking in favor of experiencing.
Many men I know spend lots of time in their heads, analyzing problems. How many men can identify their real feelings when asked? I'm not suggesting the weekend is namby-pamby land; I am saying that most men I know have a hard time identifying what they feel. Having some base literacy there is essential, in my opinion, to living & communicating with other people, especially women and children.
The weekend encourages & provides opportunities for self-reflection. If you're skeptical, ask someone who has attended a weekend, or stop by a graduation ceremony & listen to what the men have to say.
