Quote by Martha J. Coston, Signal Success
We hear much of chivalry of men towards women; but ... it vanishes like dew before the summer sun when one of us comes into competition with the manly sex. Let a woman sit, weep, wring her hands, and exult in her own helplessness, and the modern knight buckles on his imaginary breastplate and draws his sword in her behalf; but when the woman girds up her loins for the battle of life, ready to fight like a lioness, if need be, to put food in the mouths of her children, let her select for her field the living-room or the cooking range.
Summary
This quote suggests that society often praises chivalry and protection from men towards women, but such support quickly disappears when women seek to compete with men in domains traditionally dominated by them. While men readily come to the aid of helpless women, they become threatened and resistant when women display strength and determination to take care of themselves and their families. The quote highlights the underlying double standard and sexism that discourages women from expanding their roles beyond the domestic sphere.
Topics
Men & Women
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