OCR Text |
Show A Reader Talks Back on ‘Women’s Lib’ By John E. Lewis ia avert | Last February 14, FAMILY WEEKLYprinted an article by Sandra Shevey titled “A Valentine’s Guide to the ‘New’ Woman.” The article listed a numberof “do’s and don’ts” for the man whofinds himself out on a date with today’s “liberated” woman. a Aoles pair of ‘Hush Puppies, BeeicH FAMILY WEEKLYreceived a numberofreplies from readers. Generally the response was evenly divided. One letter, however, struck us as particularly articulate in behalf of the opposing point of view. We'd like to share it with you.—The Editors For some time now the cries of the women’s liberationists have risen to heaven (or whateverit is that cries of women’s liberationists rise to). And now a Famity WEEKLYarticle has joined in The Cause bytelling men how to treat Women’s Lib advocates on Valentine’s Day. Why this having a tremendous time arguing over who had what rights, where want or need is anything to do with they were going, who was driving, sentiment. They just want to be is—and is not—so call them the way etc., etc. That is, they could spend this tremendous time at horne arguing if they could decide whose home to spend it arguing at. Or, as would seem more logical, a man could find some nonarguing lady or gentleman and spend a pleasant evening. she sees them. The article did not make it clear if we are forbidden given for dealing with the woman’s from calling a man a “gentleman” liberationist is in the area of saying or “masculine.” good night. The man is cautioned not to be surprised if she’s affec- Apparentiy this would be equally objectionable, al- though there doesn’t appear to be a men’s liberationist movement protesting these titles. Although a man is supposed to enjoy being with one of those lib- erated individuals, just for the pleasure of her company, we are warned that she may be more interested in a Women’s Lib meeting than she is in spending the evening with a man. Another enlightening instruction tionate, but not to be astonished if she’s not. This is a fantastic bit of news and will really come as no surprise to a man. Butit is in the area of good man- ners and compliments that the article really gets interesting. Men are forbidden from helping a liberationist in any way, shape or form. But men often assist other men by who wasjust as interested in being helping them carry packages or helping each other on with a coat. As far as compliments go, forget it. Compliments are “degrading.” Yet men compliment each other on a with him as he with her? new suit, an attractive tie or any Yourarticle goes on to imply that conversations with a liberated wo- one of a dozen different things. If this is true, one wonders what the man would gain from spending tie evening with her. Wouldn’t it be as well for him to seek out a woman man prove exciting since she “loves In short, this is the first time in history that men have been criti- to argue... the more heated the discussion the better.” Most men, however, don’t want to be around other men wholove to argue all the cized for showing concern for others. One wonders if the liberated woman can be liberated and still be human. Surely she can be given equal rights time. No one wants to be involved in a constant battle of wits—with man, woman, or liberationist. It right be exciting to converse with such a woman—butit would aise be and still act mannerly. Surely she can compliment and’ be complimented. If she cannot, then everyone— men, women andliberationists—have exhausting. cause for great concern regarding the Women’s Lib movement. Along with all the arguing comes the decision-making process: who a Superwomanora Superclod? @ Aproduct of ROCKFORD, MICHIGAN 49341 someone making all the decisions Day is somewhat puzzling. Apparently the last thing the liberationists that. A liberationist knows what she ©1971, WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. anyone else to make these decisions. If a man is hungup on men’sliberation and feels that he doesn’t want for him, the two of them could spend the entire evening at bome, women’s liberationist as a “lady” or “feminine.” One cannot quarrel with oreo you go, who chooses the wine, etc. The liberated woman will not allow should be a fit topic for Valentine's treated like one of the boys. Weare told never to refer to a New suedestyles. Smooth leather styles. In fact, a style for going almost anywhere, doing anything. And maybe someonewill treat you on Father's Day. Drop a hint. Hush Puppies styles begin at about $14.00. calls for whom, where the two of 16 Family Weekly, June 6, 1971 Just whatis it she is trying to be: |