Novels set in the Victorian ages sometimes deal with respects, displayed by men towards the opposite sex. Back then, you were considered a gentleman, if you curtseyed to the woman. Along that line, you were expected to tip your hat (a a popular fashion accessory then) and women, who were not acquainted with the male subject could not be addressed by their first name. On a cold day during a date, the man (was) expected to lend his coat to the woman, walk on the side of the street, closest to the freeway, and open the door for the woman.

All those were courtesies. I don't know the history of such customs, or what led to the acceptance of it in the dating world. At work, when I broached the subject to the ladies at work, they were miffed by my responses. I told them that such etiquette were ancient and I wont even entertain them at all. They were more appalled at my suggestion that a first date, most likely would be at Macdonalds, or any fast food, with both parties, splitting (equally) the bill. BestBuy would replace the movie theatre as the spot to watch free DVD's. With amusement, I watched as the ladies remarked with disapproval that I wasnt a gentleman and that no American girl would ever accept to go out with me again, after the first experience.

Now, on a serious note, there are women who are demanding equality from men in today's society. Cooking, once considered a traditional role for women, is now spurned by them, because in their explanation, it reeks of slavery. Our role as the head of the family is now in 'jeopardy', as women, with a paycheck above their mate, measure their worth to the amount of money they bring home. I even read a letter sent into Marily Vos Savant, a columnist with Parade Magazine that the idea of females bearing their mother's last name, was practised in their household. Her stance was endorsed by the columnist, who bears her mother's maiden name, to perpetuate the female dynasties line.


If most women, still cling to outdated victorian customs in today's era of independence, shouldnt they also accept the customs of our homeland, like one that has traditionally allocated the duty of cooking as a woman's role in the house?