loving art, science and creative kids
4/25/2025 8:32:18 PM
Life Rolls With Hope
Male and female role models are important to the lives of well-adjusted, well-rounded children.
Why Boys Are Struggling
During the book launch party for Lives of Museum Junkies, I was asked what could be done to attract more women to the sciences. I responded that I was more concerned with what was happening to boys than to girls. Girls were advancing in academia. The follow-up question was: why?
The education system and modern family structure are failing boys. Psychologist Dr. Leonard Sax notes that the boys he sees in his practice lack passion for real-world activity. “They disdain school because they disdain everything.”
According to the National Education Association (NEA), girls exhibit superior social and behavioral skills to boys at every grade level. Two-thirds of high school students ranked in the top 10 percent of their class by GPA are girls. They not only earn better grades but are also more likely to pursue advanced training after high school. In 2022, there were 2.5 million more female than male undergraduates on U.S. campuses. Fifty-four percent of women graduated, compared to only 43 percent of men.
It’s not that girls are more intelligent than boys, but that they tend to work harder. More girls than boys are enrolled in advanced placement classes and serve as valedictorians. A record number of girls receive college scholarships, making it easier for them to continue their education. Some of the gender discrepancy can be attributed to financial factors.
Young men tend to be more cautious than women about taking on student loans, and they’re more likely to risk entering the job market without a degree. That their initial pay scale at the non-degree level is higher than that of women’s is enticing. However, the consequences of not completing college are severe over a lifetime: a diploma or certificate is increasingly necessary to secure a well-paying job. Those without degrees are twice as likely to be unemployed and are often the first to be laid off during a recession.
Researchers DiPrete and Buchmann found that at every stage, girls are more persistent and have greater self-control than boys. Girls derive more satisfaction from performing well and don’t struggle with the internal conflicts many boys have about masculinity. In poor neighborhoods, girls are more likely to climb out of poverty than boys. Young men aged 25 to 31 are 66 percent more likely than women their age to be living with their parents.
With the rise of affirmative action, organizations like the Girl Scouts, along with parents and teachers, began telling girls they could succeed in any field. They were encouraged, empowered, and held to high expectations. The stigma around science that existed when I was in high school—when I was one of only two girls in my physics class—has all but disappeared. Today, strong science curricula attract equal numbers of male and female students.
For boys, it is mainly in sports where they are encouraged to excel without being labeled a nerd or geek. On the field, they’re urged to push and tackle, while in the classroom they’re told to sit still and be quiet. Rules and restrictions often suppress their natural drive to explore and limit their freedom. Girls are praised for sitting still and being attentive, while boys, fueled by high testosterone levels, are punished for moving around—some even wear their visits to the principal’s office as a badge of honor.
Both sexes benefit from growing up in stable, married households. However, children in female-headed single-parent families suffer more, and boys are especially affected by the absence of a father. Without a male role model, boys often struggle to find purpose. This is particularly true in Black families, where 60 percent of households lack a male presence, leaving children to be raised by mothers, grandmothers, and aunts.
The decline in manufacturing and agricultural jobs requiring physical strength hasn’t helped either. Men also lead lonelier lives than women, which affects their emotional health and ability to stay optimistic. One in five fathers doesn’t live with his children, and 15 percent of men say they have no close friends. David Brooks writes, “Men account for close to three out of every four 'deaths of despair'—suicide and drug overdoses. For every 100 middle-aged women who died of COVID-19 up to mid-September 2021, there were 184 middle-aged men who died.”
Suggestions to Improve the Lives of Boys:
- Start boys in school at age eight rather than five. The prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, which regulate self-control, mature earlier in girls.
- Encourage fathers to mentor their sons, attend parent-teacher conferences, and participate in activities beyond just sports.
- Attract more men to the teaching profession to increase the number of male academic role models.
- Introduce children to handyman skills. In previous generations, kids learned by helping their dads fix cars, repair leaks, and tackle home improvement projects. Today, with more families living in apartments, few children witness such work. A Kiplinger report notes that high-paying jobs for plumbers, welders, electricians, mechanics, and carpenters are in demand but go unfilled.
- Include more information about gender differences in teacher training programs, helping educators understand hormonal and brain development variations. Boys have a greater need to move and seek excitement.
- Design classrooms for a broader range of learning styles, including kinesthetic, auditory, and tactile—not just linguistic learners.
- All high schools should offer apprenticeships and courses in shop, home economics, the arts, music, vocational training, and financial literacy. Kids should graduate with a passion for a hobby and a clear direction for a career.
- Praise achievement rather than punish failure. My husband and I mentored a young man in Job Corps. He was recognized for small accomplishments with certificates and public praise. He left the program with an inch-high stack of certificates and asked me to frame every one.
A 25 to 30 percent high school dropout rate is unacceptable. Fifty-four million illiterate adults in a democratic society is intolerable. We can do better. We must do better.
References:
Brooks,D. (2022) The Crisis of Men and Boys. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/29/opinion/crisis-men-masculinity.html
Rose, J.(2025) How American Boys and Men are Falling Behind.Top of Mind podcast. https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-how-american-boys-and-men-are-falling-behind-and-what-we-can-do?
Website. (2022) Why Girls are Outperforming Boys in school. The Economisst. http://neatoday.org/2013/03/05/why-girls-are-outperforming-boys-in-school-2/
Why are boys doing badly at school? The Economist. https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/11/23/why-are-boys-doing-badly-at-school?
Website. Degrees of Difference: Male College Enrollment and Completion
(AIBM) American Institute for Boys and Men. Retrieved from https://aibm.org/research/male-college-enrollment-and-completion/\
Larson, W. (2024). Why Are Boys Struggling Academically and What Can We Do About It? The Epoch. Times. htpps://www.theepochtimes.com/bright/why-are-boys-struggling-academically-and-what-can-we-do-about-it-5768846?\
Fioriello, P.(2025). Surprising Facts about How Boys are Treated in Schools. Retrieved from http://drpfconsults.com/surprising-facts-about-how-boys-are-treated-in-school/
Life Rolls with Hope is a 16” x 20 “ acrylic on canvas painting. available for purchase for $295. Go to https://www.eichingerfineart.com/workszoom/3633607/life-rolls-with-hope#/
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I would like to hear your thoughts about the subject. Please share your thoughts below.
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Inspired by taking in a 20-year-old street boy, Over the Peanut Fence explores the reasons behind youth homelessness with tales from the organizations and individuals trying to help them. It is a book of hope and inspiration, calling on caring adults to get involved.
Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and at Powells City of Books.
4/18/2025 9:59:48 PM
CITY LIFE
Will Tariffs Help in the Fight Against Global Warming?
As the world faces the urgent challenges posed by climate change, the imposition of tariffs on foreign-made automobiles, parts, and oil may yield unexpected environmental benefits. While these tariffs could lead to higher prices for consumers, they may also encourage a significant shift in behavior towards more sustainable transportation options. For instance, I’ve noticed a striking reduction in road traffic in Portland due to rising gasoline prices. The forty-minute drive to Vancouver, Washington, now takes just twenty minutes, reminiscent of the empty highways during the COVID-19 lockdowns. My husband and I were amazed at how quickly the air cleared, showcasing the immediate impact of reduced vehicle emissions.
A crucial component of Portland’s public transportation network is the Metropolitan Area Express (MAX), a light rail system operated by TriMet, which serves the greater metropolitan area. MAX trains were among the first second-generation American light rail systems, emerging from the freeway revolts of the 1970s. Construction began in 1982, and today, MAX operates alongside the Portland Streetcar and the WES Commuter Rail, connecting seamlessly with other transit options such as Amtrak, the airport, and intercity buses.
Despite significant investments in the MAX system, ridership consistently falls short, averaging less than 75 percent of monthly projections. The Eastside Light Rail is often described as an "underused wonder," with the majority of current MAX riders having previously relied on buses. Unfortunately, the enhanced system has not succeeded in converting car commuters to rail travel.
I wonder if the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, coupled with Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on oil, could shift consumer behavior. As gas prices rise and the cost of new vehicles increases, consumers may become more inclined to explore alternative commuting options.
American-made cars struggle to compete with their foreign counterparts in quality, efficiency, and design. According to Consumer Reports, brands like Subaru, Lexus, and Toyota lead in reliability ratings, while GMC, Cadillac, and Rivian rank at the bottom. Furthermore, the lack of hands-on experience among today’s youth may deter them from pursuing careers in manufacturing. With only about 70,000 undergraduate engineers graduating annually in the U.S., compared to 600,000 in China and 350,000 in India, it’s evident that American manufacturing is at a disadvantage. Notably, China leads in STEM graduates relative to its population.
For American manufacturing to thrive, we need a technologically, mathematically, and scientifically educated workforce. Young workers should not feel embarrassed by manual labor; rather, they must cultivate a strong work ethic and take pride in their contributions. Building facilities to bring manufacturing back home will take time, and when it happens, robotics and automation will likely handle most of the manual labor and data collection.
In the meantime, the planet has a chance to heal. We may witness decreased pollution and improved air quality with reduced reliance on fossil fuels and a greater emphasis on public transportation. The recent move by the Trump administration to revive coal-fired plants is a setback that is unlikely to succeed in the long run.
As consumers adapt to the realities of a warming planet, they may discover powerful allies in their economic needs. When socially conscious leaders listen to public concerns about safety, health, and cleanliness, we may find that today’s financial challenges lead to a greater embrace of public transportation and electric vehicles.
Reference:
Website (2025)Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars? Consumer Reports. Retrieved from https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/
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CITY LIFE : Medium: Acrylic on Canvas/ Size: 20" x 20" / Includes shipping within the continental United States. $450. For information to ship abroad, contact me at [email protected].
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4/12/2025 3:05:39 PM
Final Blooms
Passover is a celebration of spring and a reminder of what it means to live free.
Passover Freedom
Passover is an eight-day Jewish holiday that began at sundown last Saturday evening. It commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is marked by the family Seder meal, which includes four cups of wine, the eating of matzah and bitter herbs, and the retelling of the Exodus story. The Chabad religious organization encapsulates this narrative beautifully:
“As told in the Bible, after many decades of slavery to the Egyptian pharaohs, during which the Israelites endured backbreaking labor and unbearable horrors, G‑d saw the people’s distress and sent Moses to Pharaoh with a message: ‘Send forth My people, so that they may serve Me.’ Despite numerous warnings, Pharaoh refused to heed G‑d’s command. Consequently, G‑d unleashed ten devastating plagues upon Egypt, afflicting them and destroying everything from livestock to crops.
"At the stroke of midnight on 15 Nissan in the year 2448 from creation (1313 BCE), G‑d visited the last of the ten plagues on the Egyptians, killing all their firstborn. G‑d spared the children of Israel, thereby “passing over” their homes—hence the name of the holiday. Pharaoh's resistance was ultimately broken, and he virtually chased his former slaves out of the land. The Israelites left in such haste that the bread they had prepared did not have time to rise. Six hundred thousand adult males, along with many women and children, departed Egypt that day, beginning their journey to Mount Sinai and their establishment as G‑d’s chosen people.”
Though I am a practicing Unitarian, I was raised in a Jewish family and continue to observe many of the religion's customs, including the Seder. For this practice to hold meaning, I find it essential to reflect on the issue of slavery as it exists in our world today. I am consistently shocked by its prevalence. According to the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, an estimated 50 million people are victims of involuntary servitude. The most common forms of modern-day slavery include:
- Child Labor: Minors (under 18) are forced to work against their will.
- Sex Trafficking: Individuals are coerced into sexual activities. In the U.S., there were 7,500 reported cases of sex trafficking in 2021, primarily involving pornography, illicit massage and spa businesses, the hotel sector, and residence-based commercial sex. Vulnerable children may come from homelessness, the foster care system, unstable family situations, or identify as members of the LGBTQI+ community. The pandemic increased these risks, as children lost access to protective environments like schools.
- Debt Bondage: Victims are compelled to pay off debts, a situation that often leaves migrants particularly vulnerable to forced labor.
- Domestic Servitude: This occurs in private households, where domestic workers are often exploited through passport withholding, physical and verbal abuse, and isolation. The Internet has emerged as a primary tool for soliciting buyers in sex trafficking cases.
- Forced Labor: Adults (18 and older) are required to work involuntarily. In the U.S., much of this forced labor is seen within the prison system, which has the largest prison population in the world. This burden disproportionately affects people of color. Additionally, forced labor among unaccompanied migrant children is alarmingly high.
- Forced Marriage: Victims are compelled to marry without their consent, with approximately 28 million people affected worldwide. In the U.S., forced marriage among children is well-documented and remains legal in eight states. A study from 2021 revealed that nearly 300,000 children were legally married in the U.S. between 2000 and 2018, with 96 percent involving children aged 16 to 17, and some married as young as 10.
Countries with the highest prevalence of modern slavery include North Korea, Eritrea, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Tajikistan, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. The G20 nations are not far behind: India (11 million), China (5.8 million), Russia (1.9 million), Indonesia (1.8 million), Türkiye (1.3 million), and the United States (1.1 million) are all implicated.
G20 nations contribute to the issue of modern slavery by permitting forced labor within global supply chains. While traditionally associated with industries like mining, logging, and textile manufacturing, forced labor is increasingly evident in renewable sectors critical for the transition to clean energy. Climate change exacerbates modern slavery, displacing millions and making them more susceptible to exploitation.
Some countries, such as Australia, Canada, Germany, and Norway, have enacted legislation to hold businesses and governments accountable for exploitation. I wonder why the United States has not followed suit. Are Americans truly so indifferent? Do we have the right to celebrate our freedom during Passover while millions remain enslaved around the world?
The Seder reminds us to reflect on the meaning of freedom and the responsibility we have to advocate for those still in chains.
I look forward to your comments on by blog site.
Art is always for sale, Final Blooms is an acrylic on canvas paint , 12” vy 36” on deep canvas. Available for $ 359. Purchase on my website at https://www.eichingerfineart.com/workszoom/5287595/final-blooms#/.
Questions? contact me at [email protected]
References:
Website. (2025) What is Passover (Pesach0? Chabad.org. Retrieved from https://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/871715/jewish/What-Is-Passover-Pesach.htm
Website, (2022) 50 million people worldwide in modern slavery. International Labour Organization. Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/50-million-people-worldwide-modern-slavery-0
Website (2023) The Global Slavery Index 2023. Reliefweb. Retrieved from https://reliefweb.int/report/world/global-slavery-index-2023
Seder Table
4/4/2025 4:06:48 PM
Will my novel be next because it reveals the misery caused by the corporate takeover of water?
Brain Drain
As a member of The Authors Guild, a national writers' organization, I was alarmed by this week’s newsletter headline: Writers Are Under Attack—Help Us Fight Back. “The freedom to write, research, and publish is the bedrock of our democracy, yet it is under siege. Book bans are silencing writers. AI companies are exploiting authors' work without consent, threatening their livelihoods. Journalists face intimidation simply for reporting the truth. These are direct assaults on free expression, and we cannot allow them to stand.”
Historically, intellectual migration has been a boon to the United States. During World War II, brilliant minds such as Albert Einstein, Thomas Mann, and Bertolt Brecht sought refuge here, enriching our scientific and cultural landscape. For decades, the U.S. has been a global leader in research, attracting top talent worldwide. But this is changing. Since Donald Trump’s presidency, European nations have sought to capitalize on America’s growing hostility toward intellectuals and researchers. With the government cutting funding for universities and research facilities, many scientists are looking elsewhere. A recent Nature Magazine survey revealed that more than 1,200 U.S.-based scientists out of the 1,600 surveyed are considering relocating to Europe or Canada.
NPR reports that prestigious institutions in France have established financial incentives for American scientists. The engineering school at CentraleSupélec allocated approximately $3.2 million to fund projects that can no longer continue in the United States.
Aix-Marseille University, one of France’s oldest and largest universities, has launched a "Safe Place for Science" program, offering $16 million over three years to support up to 15 American scientists. The Netherlands and Canada are also implementing similar initiatives to attract displaced researchers.
Throughout history, intellectuals have been persecuted for challenging authority. Totalitarian regimes often employ anti-intellectualism to suppress dissent. Trump, both during his first administration and now in his second, has popularized "fake news" and "alternative facts," distorting reality to serve his agenda.
History offers grim lessons on the consequences of such repression. During the White Terror (1936-1945), Spanish dictator Francisco Franco executed 200,000 intellectuals, including teachers, scientists, artists, and writers. Pol Pot's regime in Cambodia systematically annihilated the country's educated class. Argentina’s President Juan Carlos Onganía imposed rigid censorship, silencing the press, literature, theater, and cinema.
Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) forced musicians to hide their instruments and writers to bury their work, as intellectualism was deemed counter-revolutionary. Adolf Hitler and the Nazis consolidated power by banning books, persecuting opposition, and using fear to control the populace. They targeted anti-Nazi judges, trade unions, religious leaders, Jewish communities, and Romani people, establishing concentration camps with horrific conditions. By the time the world intervened, Germans within the country had lost the power to get rid of Hitler.
A few days ago, I spoke to a woman who protested Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Though the U.S. has not declared war on Gaza or Hamas, she fears punishment for expressing her views. Her Egyptian-born son-in-law, despite his legal status, now feels targeted. Columbia, Harvard, and Portland State face threats of losing billions in funding for upholding free speech around the Palestinian issue.
I fear that the president is waiting for Democratic protests to turn violent as an excuse to declare martial law and seize dictatorial power. His recent rhetoric about invading Greenland and Panama is reckless. If he follows through, the only way to remove him might be through international intervention—a scenario too dire to imagine.
We must remain resolute and continue to speak out. Protests must remain nonviolent and follow Martin Luther King Jr.’s example of resisting oppression through peaceful means. Excuses to crack down on intellectuals and free expression will further erode democracy.
Our right to think, write, conduct research, and speak freely must be defended at all costs.
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Access to clean water cuts to the core of democracy. Access to clean water cuts to the core of democracy. It is being weaponized, pilfered, polluted, traded, and sold at astronomical prices. Access to clean water is a human right and not a commodity. The Water Factor is a Firebird International Award winner for best dystopian novel and a Literary Titan recipient for best thriller. Though fun to read, it carries a severe message about water scarcity. It is available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. It can be purchased on AMAZON, Barnes and Noble, and as an audiobook on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. Ask your bookstore to order a copy from Ingram. Please leave a review on Amazon after reading. Purchase while you can. I will happily zoom into your book club discussion.
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Resources:
BBC website.(2025) Why the Nazis were able to stay in power. Bitesize. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zgtyvcw/revision/3
NPR Website. (2025) Countries boost recruitment of American scientists amid cuts to scientific funding. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2025/03/29/nx-s1-5343966/countries-boost-recruitment-of-american-scientists-amid-cuts-to-scientific-funding
Britannica - Cultural Revolution: Chinese political movement. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/event/Cultural-Revolution
Please comment below. Share what you are doing to insure our children will grow up in a democratic country.
