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"The success of any culture directly relates to the FATHERS' commitment to their families."

Very true. Some would deride such a comment as sexist, but it is actually a compliment to women. In every culture, women do not abandon their babies, except for rare isolated exceptions. Thus, the woman's commitment is the given. The father's commitment is the variable.

Part of the problem is that our society has lost an appreciation of the masculine virtues. For example, one of the great masculine virtues can be summed up in five words "Oh, yeah? I'll show you!" Boys need to learn how to say this phrase, although perhaps not out loud in most situations. That's the voice that should be going off when a young mean hears phrases like:

"Johnny, you really don't have a chance of success in this high school."

"Oh, come on Billy. Nobody from this neighborhood ever became a doctor."

"YOU making the football team? That's pretty funny."

Unfortunately, young boys are not learning "Oh, yeah? I'll show you!" They're learning "it's unfair!" "You should sue!" etc.

Other things men need to teach their boys:

RIGHT: "I'm no quitter!"
WRONG: "I'm too sensitive to do this kind of thing. People just don't understand that."

RIGHT: "I'm above that sort of thing."
WRONG: "We shouldn't judge other people."

RIGHT: "So it hurt a little. I'm tougher than that."
WRONG: "Whaaaa!!!"

RIGHT: "We'll get a little dirty to get the job done. We can clean up later."
WRONG: "I'm not getting my sneakers dirty for nothing!"

So true. I have one girl and two boys. I know how to teach my girl, but I really need my husband to teach the boys how to be men.

I suppose I could demand my boys' respect, but it's not necessary. My husband taught them that men don't hit girls, nor do men act like girls. If the boys ever talked back to me when they were young, my big husband would shout in his thunderous voice, "Don't you ever treat my wife like that!"

The boys are teenagers now, and have grown bigger than me. They actually seem to enjoy taking care of me at times. I rarely have to open doors or carry groceries while they're around. They speak well and treat others repectfully, just like their dad.