To the editor:
Thank you for the article by Catholic University President John Garvey regarding the success of young women in careers and athletics, which we applaud.
However, his comment “our culture is uncomfortable settling on a model of manhood” was troubling. Girls are bombarded from birth with the message that fulfillment is a good college degree, a prestigious job, and doing anything men can do.
Where do our girls (and boys) hear about the fulfillment found in marriage and family? If a girl or boy expresses their intentions to find life’s fulfillment in finding a spouse and raising children, they are belittled and castigated by guidance counselors, educators, employers, and some parents.
Who do we name on our tombstones, our spouse and children, or our employer? One of the absolute consequences of our society’s obsession with college degrees and career fulfillment is delayed marital sex/marriage/child raising for a decade after high school graduation. This arrangement is very wrong and unnatural. I don’t think that women can delay sex for a decade after high school graduation; I know men cannot.
The natural desire of sexual fulfillment, which is much stronger than desire for a college degree, is delayed, frustrated, and corrupted unless it is channeled and blossomed into a healthy marriage.
Educators preach that the most important thing is a successful career. But much greater fulfillment is found in marriage and child raising for those who place love before money. Our educators preparing children for life must teach that careers are important, but family always comes first. One can only have one master.
Dave Kuhle, Hazel Green