Aug. 26, 1886 . . . . It wears upon me when I hear women say, “Men are no longer so ready to give up a seat in the cars, since the woman’s agitation arose.” I wish to ask if the agitation arose only recently? Also is such a statement true? If true, is it of any consequence? Also one grain of right fair dealing is worth more than a bushel of courtesy . . . .
Maria Mitchell, like other early women’s rights proponents, I think became frustrated with the new generations of leaders and fighters – that they forgot all the early women who started the movement – and those even earlier who spoke out well before there was a movement. Maria was one of these women. What I find interesting is her further frustration with the fact that here women want to be treated equally yet some complained that men are not being as polite and perhaps courteous and chivalrous with offering their seat, opening a door for them, etc. I, too, sort of find that ironic. Here they are finally being better recognized (to some extent) but still expecting some of the older courtesies to still stand. Perhaps some men were just being rude as a sort of payback but I could see others simply being okay then, even playing field.
JNLF
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