Further to my Previous Post...

In response to my previous post, it seems I have a contradiction on my hands. It is interesting that mentioning anything remotely feminist seems to be the one motivation for the males of this world to revolt and finally become interested in something we have to say (and ironic, that we should use feminism to achieve the one thing we have been willing men to do since the Suffragettes came to town). Goodness, I'm becoming cynical in my old age.

Anyway, as I was saying, I seem to have come across a counter-arguement. So, in respect for balanced reporting, and for the male species, I feel it is only fair to examine it. My first challenge came from numerous outraged male friends, who are adamant that they always holds doors open and mind their manners in the presence of the fairer sex. And the second came from the reliable London Metro, with a slightly different sentiment. The small opinion piece from which this emerged was entitled: 'Manners or Sexism?', and consisted of male readers' opinions on appropriate train etiquette. One particular entry read the following:

"I have stopped being a gentleman to strangers as you no longer get any thanks. I used to always let women take the last seat on the train and regularly didn't get so much as a smile. When there's pushing to get on a train, nine times out of ten it's a woman who's responsible. So, the reason there are fewer gentleman is because there are no longer any ladies." (J Bebb, Surrey)

I must admit, he has a point. But I would ask you, Mr Bebb, to make allowances for situation. We are enduring public transport for heaven’s sake! Evaluating our behaviour while we are starting to feel and smell like a pack of sardines is hardly fair. Now, if you put a drink in our hand and tell us that you prefer women without make up, you will find us much more genial.

It is also important to consider that the reason you did not receive a smile is that we may simply not have noticed your gesture. I spend 98% of my commute actively trying to block out the fact that I am riding a train at all (which is pretty hard to do whilst getting on and off, which accounts for the 2%). And as for the pushing….we have to push harder: we’re smaller! A woman needs guts to force her way off a packed train and avoid spending her morning enjoying the graffiti-embellished sights to a from London Waterloo, until rush hour eases.

This said, I do think that J Bebb makes a relevant observation, albeit a somewhat exaggerated one. The world could do with far more pleasantries, regardless of gender. So I put to you this compromise. Ladies, don’t let the London rage get the better of you, and gentlemen…please, please, please prove me wrong. I can't believe that chivalry is dead quite yet.