2008 Woodie Awards
Just a thought ...
Is equality between men and women killing chivalry?
Ashley D. McGee
LIFESTYLES EDITOR
ladypoeticsoul@aol.com
Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: Lifestyles
- Page 1 of 1
The fight for equality between men and women in the workplace, social scenes and several other aspects of day-to-day life is far from over, but I must admit that we have come a long way. Fortunately, the unquestionable drive in legendary female icons who have honored us with their presence, such as Mrs. Coretta Scott-King, Ida B. Wells and Emma Tenayuca Brooks, have provided us with the proper guidelines to follow in their footprints.
The Guerrilla Girls' recent visit to our campus stirred up the feeling to take action against sexist injustices in a lot of students, as well as redefined the meaning of the word "feminist."
Last week, a female associate of mine, who teaches at a local middle school, was injured while trying to stop a fight between eight male students. She only suffered some minor bruises, but is still quite sore.
Since physical altercations between students have become a weekly happening at her workplace, what caught my attention the most when I heard about the entire incident was that a male teacher stood by and watched the violent rampage unfold. So, I can't help but wonder is equality between men and women killing chivalry?
This male employee simply, and a few gutless females employees, who I assume were filing their finger nails or something, stood by while a woman was hit, kicked and punched by testosterone-driven teens and obviously did not feel any natural instinct telling him to intervene.
Now, his actions could have clearly been a reflection of poor home training, but I'm not sure if I feel that completely excuses his behavior. Most of my male associates are always quick to aid a woman who they see is in need, especially one who is being subjected to physical harm by a man.
Living in an area that is supposed to be filled with "Southern gentlemen," I can't help but to expect these kinds of things. I don't necessarily need man to open my door; I have hands. I can do without him paying for the date all of the time; I work two jobs, so I have money.
However, I do feel that wanting a man to help me if he sees I'm being assaulted by another man, or anyone for that matter, makes me any less of a "feminist" than anyone else who proudly carries the title. Is that too much to ask for?
Don't get me wrong. In no way am I saying that women always need a man to come to their rescue, so please do not start sending in letters to take away my "I AM WOMAN" card just yet. There are just certain standards in society that many women have grown accustomed to when it comes to interacting with the opposite sex, which do not have to compromised in order for the two to be considered equals.
The Guerrilla Girls' recent visit to our campus stirred up the feeling to take action against sexist injustices in a lot of students, as well as redefined the meaning of the word "feminist."
Last week, a female associate of mine, who teaches at a local middle school, was injured while trying to stop a fight between eight male students. She only suffered some minor bruises, but is still quite sore.
Since physical altercations between students have become a weekly happening at her workplace, what caught my attention the most when I heard about the entire incident was that a male teacher stood by and watched the violent rampage unfold. So, I can't help but wonder is equality between men and women killing chivalry?
This male employee simply, and a few gutless females employees, who I assume were filing their finger nails or something, stood by while a woman was hit, kicked and punched by testosterone-driven teens and obviously did not feel any natural instinct telling him to intervene.
Now, his actions could have clearly been a reflection of poor home training, but I'm not sure if I feel that completely excuses his behavior. Most of my male associates are always quick to aid a woman who they see is in need, especially one who is being subjected to physical harm by a man.
Living in an area that is supposed to be filled with "Southern gentlemen," I can't help but to expect these kinds of things. I don't necessarily need man to open my door; I have hands. I can do without him paying for the date all of the time; I work two jobs, so I have money.
However, I do feel that wanting a man to help me if he sees I'm being assaulted by another man, or anyone for that matter, makes me any less of a "feminist" than anyone else who proudly carries the title. Is that too much to ask for?
Don't get me wrong. In no way am I saying that women always need a man to come to their rescue, so please do not start sending in letters to take away my "I AM WOMAN" card just yet. There are just certain standards in society that many women have grown accustomed to when it comes to interacting with the opposite sex, which do not have to compromised in order for the two to be considered equals.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Sophia Jones
posted 11/06/07 @ 1:13 PM CST
While I think your point is somewhat valid, focusing on chivalry, in the sense of common courtesies extended towards women by men simply because it is expected, is misplaced. (Continued…)
Ashley D. McGee
posted 11/07/07 @ 1:18 PM CST
Thank you for commenting. I always love to hear feedback, but I like the approach I took on the matter. It was the way I felt and that is how my column always comes out. (Continued…)
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