It was important that he know women are strong. It was even more important, it turns out, that I know I was a jackass, but I didn't. I embarrassed a nice man who was attempting to help a lady. I wasn't lady enough to let him. I bet he never offered to help a lady again. I bet he became an intellectual, or a writer, and not a good man like a fireman or a businessman who says, "Let's roll."
I am that man. Maybe not the exact same man, but him in spirit...
I like to think I did become an intellectual. At least I rose above digging ditches and farm labor to put myself through college and become a white-collar worker who never lost his blue-collar roots. I will still hold the door for a woman or assist her with a heavy burden. It's her choice to accept it or not. If she's too proud to admit to needing help now and then, then let her struggle and keep on struggling. It's her choice...
I try to instill lady-like qualities in my daughters so that they know how to accept or reject a gentlemans offer of assistance without being jerks about it. I don't want them to become like this author, alienated and on the sidelines with helpless, hapless wimps when the going gets tough, as it invariably will.
It's the Dukes of the world who will survive, because they are survivors. All the PC propaganda being spewed currently will not move one piece of WTC rubble, or make this world a safer place. It takes vision, guts, and the will to make it happen. Playtime is over... Let's Roll!!!