Letter to the Editor: Submitted by Brian Brandsmeier

To the Editor:

The facts are stark: 90% of murders and 98% of mass shootings are committed by men. Across time, location, culture, and political perspective, gender is the most consistent predictor of deadly violence.

Men themselves are not the problem. But the way society defines and promotes manhood is. Too often, masculinity is equated with dominance, aggression, entitlement, emotional suppression, and other factors that can lead to harmful behavior. These messages shape behavior and, in extreme cases, contribute to deadly outcomes.

As the father of a young man, I think it’s time to rethink what it means to “be a man.” We should promote integrity, responsibility, accountability, courage, empathy, and other characteristics that promote a healthy, well-rounded life. This level of change will be hard work. And it will require all of us: parents, teachers, coaches, religious leaders, filmmakers, songwriters, and politicians to reshape masculinity in our culture.

Until we do, violence will continue to claim lives. Redefining manhood is not just about protecting others. It’s about giving men a healthier, more fulfilling way to live. It’s time for meaningful action.

Sincerely,
Brian Brandsmeier 
North Liberty
1997 Waukon High School alumni