Time will show the dirty shagger

About a year ago I had some 'gender training' with my (then) new colleagues. We had to bring along an object which illustrated something we felt about gender.

I took a copy of 'Hey Yeah Right Get A Life' -- a book of short stories about the massive impact having children has on women and their relationships with a) their partners and b) the world in general.

My (male) colleague M brought a sarong, which represented David Beckham, who, he argued, was the most positive thing to happen to modern masculinity in years. What a role model -- sexy as hell, fit as a butcher's dog, well developed feminine side and... monogamous.

Like chuff, it transpires. Maybe no big surprise, but what *is* surprising is the scale and reach of the disappointment. A whole society sighs. We all had a little bit of hope invested in the man. Where can we put it now?

joella