Kravitz: American Woman
In a book I have, I read:
The following “Rules for Female Teachers” were posted by the school board of one town in Massachusetts:
1. Do not get married.
2. Do not leave town at any time without permission of the school board.
3. Do not keep company with men.
4. Bet home between the hours of 8 P.M and 6 A.M.
5. Do not loiter downtown in ice cream stores.
6. Do not smoke.
7. Do not get into a carriage with any man except your father or brother.
8. Do not dress in bright colors.
9. Do not dye your hair.
10. Do not wear any dress more than two inches above the ankle.Zinn, Howard. A People’s History of the United States: 1492 to present. New York: HarperPerennial, 1995
It seems there happen to be some similarities between these rules, dating back to the early 20th century, and some still active today. I make no guesses as to how proper these rules are, I follow some but break most myself, but what I find most interesting is that American women actually lived by these rules at some point in time. Fascinating!
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November 24th, 2006 at 11:04 pm
"<span id="printableVersion"> I make no guesses as to how proper these rules are, I follow some </span>but break most myself…"<br /><br />I imagine you frequently violate the rule about loitering in ice cream shops.<br />
November 25th, 2006 at 12:07 am
Yes, precisely the rule I meant, Peter.
November 25th, 2006 at 5:50 pm
And, believe it or not, some of us American women still do live by those rules…
November 26th, 2006 at 12:24 am
I’ve seen this list, fun reminder of another era.<br /><br />And yes, I still keep some of these rules too; but, I do get into the carriage with my husband. :)<br /><br />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..<br />
November 26th, 2006 at 3:49 am
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."
November 27th, 2006 at 11:49 pm
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>