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Show 4 Signpost Tuesday, 1 July 1986 Modern sexual roles generate confusion JaNae Barlow Managing Editor In this world of modern technology and movements for equality of men and women, distinctions between the two sexes in both appearance and behaviors seem to have diminished greatly in many instances. In the past, men were men and women were women. They both dressed and acted as such and their roles were not confused. Modern beliefs have found these distinctions to be inadequate for society to function at an optimum level, and women have fought for equality in the work force. Often through divorce or death of a spouse, women are placed at the head of a household. In these situations, the women need equal pay. It is also a question of ethics. Many have said that salaries should be based on work accomplished and not on the sex of the person doing it. There is virtually no question in the minds of members of this modern society that a woman should receive the same pay as a man doing the same job. However, I believe the idea has gone a bit too far. This idea of equality has gone past the work place and into the everyday question of the roles of the sexes. What was once a typical polite gesture for men to indicate respect for a woman, such as opening the door for her, has now become a questionable action. Many women feel the act does not compliment their femininity but rather that it degrades them as the lesser sex. Others look at it in a more orthodox way and believe it is the polite thing for men to do. In some instances, they even feel uncomfortable when the man does not open the door. Men, on the otherhand, also have a mixture of opinions and have had a myriad of experiences with the use of various manners related to relationships of men and women. Some men have also found themselves in what they view as uncomfortable situations when women have held doors open for them and taken on other such masculine roles. As a result of mixed beliefs and opinions, confusing situations occur, people are offended and the gap between men and women working together in a free society is enlarged. I believe this is a sad occurrence in our society. Men should be able to treat women with respect and women should be able to look at it as such. The issue is no longer of equality when it comes to manners, but of what is proper. It is not whether or not the woman is capable of opening a door, lifting a heavy package or pulling out her chair. The issue is one of politeness. It is through the use and understanding of these principles that people are able to function freely and comfortably in society. Being a woman, I personally felt slighted the other day when I was carrying a heavy package and I saw a young man laughing at me and my efforts to handle it. I was perfectly capable and just independant enough to be able to transport what I was carrying. Nevertheless, I believe that the young man was rude. It was not me that was belittled but his own masculinity. I believe that a modern society should not forget the old social rules. It is through respect and proper etiquette that society is able to function comfortably, freely and efficiently. 'Ever since the wedding, he makes me lower my own drawbridges, hail my own carriages, slay my own dragons . . . I should 've let him stay a frogV PRO and CONsensus What way do you believe the traditional roles of men and women fit into today's society? (For example, should a man open the door for a woman?) i 1 -x 'If , - "I think it impresses a girl "Women and men can analyze when a man does something like their situation in the family and that, makes that kind of gesture. But I don't think less of him if he doesn't." Heidi Doliwa Freshman make their own decision. It depends on the person." Ali Cavakoli Senior "I still like the traditional roles. I think they are important. They set the norms for society." Kim Potter Junior "Chivalry is not dead but if a woman wants to open her own door, I will let her." Rick Hamblin Senior (Interviews and photos: Jeff Bybee) |