The writer has taken the liberty of reviewing many of the letters written, and will offer the following comments. Please note the remarks offered here are not the results of a scientific review, and were not requested by the publisher. However, it may be a unique way to ascertain how various people feel about this technique of influencing the mental development of young and older males. Perhaps it will bring about more responses from the readers expressing their individual insights - let's hope so.

If any reader feels so inclined, rebuttals, corrections, and additions, are welcomed. And, hopefully, your responses will offer further enlightment on this fantastic technique, which is a time-honored method of helping young men learn proper respect for their female counterparts.

With regard to comments, they will be offered in four parts as follows: there are four groups of writers of the many excellent letters written by readers and published in PDM:

• Responses from mothers of recipients.

• Responses by sisters and close relatives of a recipient.

• Responses from recipients themselves.

• General: More likely to occur in Europe, but catching on in the USA.

Mothers

It does seem that the mothers of many young men of various ages wrote most letters received and published. Surprisingly, it was claimed that some young men were disciplined in this manner well into their teens, and frequently past their twenty- first birthdays.

Since the preponderance of letters were written by mothers, who are in the best position to bring about this happening, it does make one wonder if in many cases they have responded as a rationalization for their actions, and are seeking approval.

In addition petticoating has in many cases been used as a punishment, rather than as a method or opportunity to develop the male child's more desirable characteristics. Thus, humiliation and embarrassment for the recipient has been encouraged, instead of a loving and more enjoyable approach to affecting their behavior. Which latter incidentally, the writer tends to favor, and believes is more apt to last longer. Albeit, it requires more patience to implement but somehow embarrassment, while effective, can result in anger and resentment. Pleasure usually results in a better psychological result as well as a more satisfactory result in the long term.

Siblings and Close Relatives

It indeed does appear that a rather significant portion of the letters written were from sisters and aunts. This gives rise to great many thoughts. Is it a desire to impose control over males? Is there any amount of jealousy existing? Or is there some sort of feeling of inferiority exiting that they feel should be overcome? Or more hopefully do they truly feel this can be an improvement to mankind, making the world a better place to live?

Historically it was always felt that males were needed to serve as the breadwinners, and in order to do this they needed to be the major authority in the household. As each year goes by, this does appear to be less appropriate. Females are rapidly taking over almost every aspect of today’s life styles, certainly in the work place. In addition in recent years they have made great strides in advanced education and girls and young women do indeed seem to be positioning them selves to subjugate the males to a lower level of servitude. One can’t help but wonder how this will play out in the future. Could it be a way to eliminate many anxieties, and feelings of frustration for the males? Would it not bring about world peace to some extent? Just what are the possibilities? Many readers do seem to think it is worth a try.

With regard to close relatives, there do indeed seem to be very few letters written by brothers and fathers. What does this tell us? Are they afraid to comment, in the fear this technique could be imposed on them? You tell me.

Recipients

Frankly, the writer finds this category to be the most interesting of all. One can’t help but believe it when a recipient writes that he feels that he is a better person for his experience, and that he wishes he wishes that the petticoat discipline cxould continue long after the disciplinary action is no longer necessary. One must conclude that certainly there is something special about this technique.

However, one also wonders if any of the letters written are actually a disguise for how they wish to be treated, but are too embarrassed to come out and admit it. The writer does suspect that this category contains a large number of wannabees.

It also gives rise to the thought of how many males actually feel that feminine clothing and looks can be a real pleasure, leading to a more relaxed form of living. Could this not be a release from the everyday stresses of life, and perhaps a more enjoyable mode of life? The writer can’t help but notice how clothing and looks are, on the average, more important to females than to males. Just why are frills and lace so appealing, and especially, when used with soft materials like nylon and silk? With more thought devoted to improving one’s appearances and actions, then surely less thought would be devoted to adversarial activities? This has to be a step in the right direction.

Actually, there does not seem to be any expressed signs of regret or dismay by most who have been exposed to this very special kind of discipline in the proper manner. In due time it seems they have accepted this life style and to actually find it enjoyable. That certainly says a lot.

Reading all the letters expressing the writer's satisfaction and happiness at what they learned from being disciplined in petticoats and frocks tends to make one wonder if this might would not be the right approach to adapt more widely. Surely it is worth a try. 

General Comments

If petticoating is such a success, how can we make it a more acceptable practice?

Could some actual ritual in a young man’s passing not be considered as an acceptable part of his development? Perhaps utilizing a summer between certain school years where all males would be expected to undergo petticoat discipline as a prerequisite for their passage into the real world. Could this become an accepted practice for all malesm and for females, who would act as their superiors and supervisors?

It would be great to hear the reader’s feelings. Who knows? Maybe we can make this world a better place after all.
Yours sincerely,

Julia

We are certaibly doing our bit, and our readership is growing all the time. If readers, male or female, would like to comment on the points that Julia makes, then please write in. That is what we are here for.
Susan