"Well, perhaps...  On the other hand, saying to the little boy crying, ""Big boys don't cry"" may work.  But certainly it is not such a good idea if we are ever going to get beyond this idea that it is OK for girls to express their emotions, but not boys.  Do ends justify means?  Very, very, very seldom. ...and of course, I know you were quoting Anna... for ""re-emphasis""....merely?    

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