Has chivalry risen from the grave? Has woman’s lib withered on the vine? The context here is the ongoing (as of this writing on 11/28/23) holding of hostages in Gaza by Hamas militants in the wake of their October 7th attack on Israel. As of this writing there are hostages being released by Hamas and prisoners being released by Israel more or less on a daily basis. “Women and children first” is shouted in unison by the men. From the women there is no acknowledgment of the chivalrous advantage bestowed upon them to expedite their release as the men wait behind.
Has any man complained of the gender disparity? Has any woman thanked male negotiators for the gender disparity? The lesson here appears to be that gender disparity favoring males may be condemned but that gender disparity favoring females in a desperate situation is just the natural way of things. It may be best to acknowledge the disparity without discussing it.
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