05 March 2005
The other day, history came to life.
Okay, now that I've raised your expectations...
What actually happened was that Alex, the guy I volunteer with, and I went to lunch. GASP. Okay, no, that's not the big news either. Ha, bet I psyched you out there.
As we left the library, I was walking on the right, next the street, with him on my left. Then he physically moved me so that he would be walking on my right. I frowned a bit, and wondered why but didn't mention it. I had a faint inkling why and I was rather charmed by the thought.
You see, back in the day when women wore beautifully crafted dresses, men would walk streetside so that women's dresses wouldn't get stained when carriages or cars or moving contraptions drove by through puddles. I had read about this somewhere in the past, and had pretty much believed the chivalrous notion to be dead.
But apparently it thrives in the form of Alex's female cousins, who proceeded to drill in his head that women should never walk streetside. He explained this to me yesterday on our way to our third lunch.
This lunch after volunteering thing has become a weekly thing, I think, and I'm not at all displeased by the thought.
So ladies and gents, what do you think about this notion that men walk streetside? Antiquated or charming? Silly?
Okay, now that I've raised your expectations...
What actually happened was that Alex, the guy I volunteer with, and I went to lunch. GASP. Okay, no, that's not the big news either. Ha, bet I psyched you out there.
As we left the library, I was walking on the right, next the street, with him on my left. Then he physically moved me so that he would be walking on my right. I frowned a bit, and wondered why but didn't mention it. I had a faint inkling why and I was rather charmed by the thought.
You see, back in the day when women wore beautifully crafted dresses, men would walk streetside so that women's dresses wouldn't get stained when carriages or cars or moving contraptions drove by through puddles. I had read about this somewhere in the past, and had pretty much believed the chivalrous notion to be dead.
But apparently it thrives in the form of Alex's female cousins, who proceeded to drill in his head that women should never walk streetside. He explained this to me yesterday on our way to our third lunch.
This lunch after volunteering thing has become a weekly thing, I think, and I'm not at all displeased by the thought.
So ladies and gents, what do you think about this notion that men walk streetside? Antiquated or charming? Silly?
Marie: I agree wholeheartedly.
Amy: It is, isn't it? But then the feminist side of me is all like, what the heck do I need that for? I'm a strong woman!
Emily: Ha, exactly.
Amy: It is, isn't it? But then the feminist side of me is all like, what the heck do I need that for? I'm a strong woman!
Emily: Ha, exactly.
I was having a conversation the other day with some people about the whole paying for meals controversy, and this topic came up, someone mentioned that people still do this in her town. I think it's pretty silly. No, I am not going to melt if a little dust gets on me or something, hehe.
# posted by : 4:46 AM
If you expect a guy to shield you from the street than you better damn well be prepared to dress in frills and shit.
Because honestly, if girls talk about the benefits of a modern society in which women have rights (like voting) then they shouldn't get all caught up in notions from a time where they had none. Its funny that as time goes on and certain practices become outdated, the only thing that doesn't evolve is chivalry, it only gets bigger and bigger until someday women will expect men to pick up their feet for them as they walk.
It's really hypocritical when girls say things like this, and completely unattractive (read: uppity/snobbish).
Because honestly, if girls talk about the benefits of a modern society in which women have rights (like voting) then they shouldn't get all caught up in notions from a time where they had none. Its funny that as time goes on and certain practices become outdated, the only thing that doesn't evolve is chivalry, it only gets bigger and bigger until someday women will expect men to pick up their feet for them as they walk.
It's really hypocritical when girls say things like this, and completely unattractive (read: uppity/snobbish).
# posted by Lebezniatnikov : 12:28 PM
Jeff: I don't agree that chivalry has become a 'big thing.' Considering the fact that most people I talk to haven't even heard of this men-walking-on-the-streetside business, I think it's safe to say that the concept of chivalry has considerably toned down since before women had equal rights.
Also, it's really the thought that counts. Most women don't demand that men open their doors for them, or pay for them. Therefore, it's more of a bonus when men do. I really don't think it's too much to ask if men do the polite thing and open a door or hold the elevator. I myself try to do these things for other people, be they male or female. All I ask is that I get the same consideration when I'm struggling with a package or something.
Also, it's really the thought that counts. Most women don't demand that men open their doors for them, or pay for them. Therefore, it's more of a bonus when men do. I really don't think it's too much to ask if men do the polite thing and open a door or hold the elevator. I myself try to do these things for other people, be they male or female. All I ask is that I get the same consideration when I'm struggling with a package or something.
That's odd, I just had a walking tour here the other day in olde London and the tour guide was explaining why men had to walk streetside. Although I'm definitely sure your explanation has some merit, the guide said it was because people emptied their chamber pots out the window, and if the woman was standing closer to the building, she wouldn't get splattered with poo.
I dunno about that part of chivalry, though, there are some parts of chivalry that will and should never die (i.e. pulling out a chair, or opening a door, or leaving the seat down) because it has some useful purpose, but some things don't make sense anymore, like the streetside walking. I mean, we guys don't expect women to swoon or faint anymore at the sight of blood and such, so we don't stand behind them to catch them, so why should we protect them from mud puddles / chamber pots that aren't even there anymore?
Plus, I do not want to get muddy, and a girl-sized mud shield sounds just about right.
-Steven
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I dunno about that part of chivalry, though, there are some parts of chivalry that will and should never die (i.e. pulling out a chair, or opening a door, or leaving the seat down) because it has some useful purpose, but some things don't make sense anymore, like the streetside walking. I mean, we guys don't expect women to swoon or faint anymore at the sight of blood and such, so we don't stand behind them to catch them, so why should we protect them from mud puddles / chamber pots that aren't even there anymore?
Plus, I do not want to get muddy, and a girl-sized mud shield sounds just about right.
-Steven
# posted by : 12:17 PM