Western Society, History and Men...?

Question

I was thinking and do we women not give Western men throughout history enough credit for taking care of women?

World wide there is a history of men dominating women and that has been true of the western world as well BUT here in America and most of Europe, women have men protected against most abuses i.e. it's NOT OK to rape women. Women have had decent housing most times, running water was provided relatively quickly, efficient household appliances were invited, sanitary options were made so women don't have to be like those in Africa trying to create makeshift sanitary napkins, etc. I look at the Middle East and Africa and I have to say maybe we don't credit men in America enough? Without the laws they upheld we never could have even had a successful feminist movement. Some men are creeps but maybe most western men are OK.

What do you think?

Answer 1

That's a very nice thing to point out. Well put. They are not the misogynists they are made out to be.

Voice of Reality -you need to have better women in your life if you think that statement is true. I feel sorry for you.

Answer 2

not only all of what you mentioned but men also used to give up their chairs, open doors, tip their hats or even take them off.

There was a respect between the sexes, we still punish men for rape but not the same as before when it was a serious crime as well.

Since women have become equal manners have taken a back seat not just between men and women, but are not being taught to the young either. While its easy to teach them to say please and thank you the rest is better taught by observing.

Men have a incredible desire to be gentlemen and nice however they are sick of it getting thrown back in their faces by over scared feminist's who want to be treated like one of the boys.

Now don't get me wrong I like that I had a choice on whether to get married or to work. That I had the ability to make my own path and make my own choices.

I just wish that we could "be equal" while still being Male/Female.

Answer 3

But when push came to shove, they still didn't want women to have equal rights.  It's like saying job discrimination against black people deserves credit because it is not as bad as slavery - it's still not exactly a good thing though, is it?

Plus it was legal to rape your wife in Britain up till the 1980s, and it was quite legal to beat your wife until the start of the 20th century :-)

Answer 4

Good point. I think one of the things women have lost since we've gained independence and equality is protection from men. With the positive aspects of equality, we've also got the negative ones; for example, the social taboo surrounding hitting women has been reduced.

I also believe men have contributed just as much to women's movements as women have; they made most of the medical, scientific and legal advances which have benefited us. There have always been men who hurt women, but they are the minority. Chivalry isn't about patronising or oppressing women, it's about showing respect for us and trying to keep us safe. I know that I, as a woman, value men's protective instincts. :)

Answer 5

Of course, but as we all know....  women (the vast majority) are impossible to please.  Even if they ruled the world and had everything handed to them on a silver platter, it still wouldn't be good enough.  They'd want a diamond studded platinum platter.

Example:  "I said 75 degrees not 74!!!  Take it back and do it right or I'll report you to the manager!!"

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@Ren:  Actually, I do have a great woman in my life.  She's everything I wanted in a mate/lover/ect...  She is one of the few that are the proof that not all women are as I said.   But, that few doesn't matter in the big picture.  The few good ones didn't prevent feminism.  They didn't prevent the bias laws against men.  They were powerless to stop any of it.  I'm glad I found one, sure.  But that isn't going to lead me into some sort of state of delusion where everything is okay.  So, for now at least, I'm going to call things as they are.

Not only do I have a great woman, I have a great life.  So, don't bother spending any time feeling sorry for me.

Answer 6

Eleanor B, the H of L ruling was 1991, in fact.