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Ehrenreich's discussion of female aggression is well supported by a growing body of cross-cultural literature that describes women's culturally institutionalized use of aggression, which may include physical violence. In some cultures female aggression in its various manifestations is considered an essential element of womanliness. In the U.S., the terms woman and aggression, when used together, often imply either female pathology or female victimization. These cultural scenarios deprive women of their heroic accomplishments. H.B. KIMBERLEY COOK Cultural Anthropologist Simi Valley, Calif.
Plaudits to TIME for the riveting report. From the time of Abraham, the Jews have traced their lineage through the female, and many cultures worldwide are dominated by women. Jamaica is a veritable matriarchal society that has the potential to become a model for the world. It boasts a national heroine: "Nanny," leader of the insurgent Maroons, military tactician and chieftain, who outsmarted the British in the 18th century. Ehrenreich's compelling "grandma hypothesis"--that children do better with a grandmother figure on the scene--is alive and well in Jamaica. VALERIE FACEY Kingston, Jamaica
Comparing men and women is like comparing beer and wine. The two are worlds apart. Yet narrowing the differences and balancing the scale were always at the top of the feminist agenda. It's heartening to know that a new level of thinking is coming around--the "femaleist" approach. That's the way to go. Of course, men and women are different. You betcha, and aren't I glad! JUNAINA SAULAT Karachi
Finally, books about women by women. Now if we could only replace the testosterone-laden politicians and ceos with these enlightened beings, the world might lose some of its tribal and violent ways. Should I hold my breath? DON RICHARDS Edmonton, Alta.
What's with you, guys? You publish a cover story about how strong women are. But then you proceed to "honor" us by putting pictures of nude women throughout the story. And your table-of-contents listing for the story has the title "What Little Girls Are Made Of." I was hoping my daughter's generation would be free of this bias. SANDY KOGUT Montreal
DICAPRIO IN THE PARK
Your article on Leonardo DiCaprio's filming of The Beach in Thailand's Khao Yai National Park [CINEMA, March 1] was one-sided. You showed an absolute disregard for the environmental issues raised by concerned groups. I am sorry DiCaprio may have had his reputation damaged. However, once he and the film crew are gone, will the precedent they set by filming in a national park make future projects there much more palatable, thus endangering the fragile balance inherent in coastal environments? LISA BEAVERS Misawa, Japan
SAVING INDONESIA