“’This isn’t my own “meanspirited” arbitrary “priggery;” this was the common sense of fifty years ago.’”
First of all, I think you are a well spoken and nice person. I certainly don’t believe you are meanspirited.
Secondly, I am sooooo glad to be living in the present day.
My Great Grandmother raised four daughters by herself after my Great Grandfather died from pneumonia. They were dirt farmers, no money...but my Grandmother was a wonderful musician and survived off her earnings as a pianist. Not an easy thing to do...esp. when the great depression hit.
They survived, beautiful women and very talented. Actually, when old enough they moved to California and three of the sisters became quite wealthy. My single parent great grandmother raised those girls quite nicely.