Comments on: Kravitz: American Woman

By: Sewmouse

Sewmouse — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 20:49:01 +0000

Even as recent as my mother’s generation, women had some stupid "rules" that were expected of them. Most of them did what we do now - laugh at the stupid ones, and follow what we ourselves choose.

But for some things - Mother would always get up and get my Father whatever he wanted, even if he was closer to it than she. "Where is the mustard spread?" And up she would hop to get it for him.

Me? I am more likely to gasp in horror and ask "OH MY!!! When did you lose the use of both your arms and both your legs? QUICK!! Call the paramedics.", then roll my eyes and go back to whatever I am doing.

By: tommy

tommy — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 00:49:36 +0000

Of course, teachers back then were expected to be exceptionally modest even by standards of the time. These rules were also, at least for the most part, not legally enforced. Come the 1920’s and young women were already a little "wild."

By: kinzi

kinzi — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 21:24:18 +0000

I’ve seen this list, fun reminder of another era.

And yes, I still keep some of these rules too; but, I do get into the carriage with my husband. :)

Have you see the Good Housekeeping article from the 1950s on how to care for your husband? Now that one makes me a little upset..

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 14:50:55 +0000

And, believe it or not, some of us American women still do live by those rules…

By: Tololy

Tololy — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 21:07:21 +0000

Yes, precisely the rule I meant, Peter.

By: Peter S

Peter S — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 20:04:42 +0000

" I make no guesses as to how proper these rules are, I follow some but break most myself…"

I imagine you frequently violate the rule about loitering in ice cream shops.