THE EDITOR, Sir:
A COUPLE nights ago with the excitement of the New Year still in my blood I decided to go out dancing at a known night-spot, something I had not done in a little while.
I sat at my table sipping a drink and while my visiting Bostonian friends engaged in the complex dance hall rhythms that fascinated their foreign taste. Perhaps it was the beauty of the night and the rhythm of the music or both which relaxed me so completely where I could now observe my surroundings with a clear mind.
I noticed a number of older men who appeared at best to be grandfathers holding on in a proprietary manner to very young, lively ladies as these ladies displayed their agility and their dancing skills much to the delight of their elderly partners.
As I watched I noted the pride and the satisfied look on the faces of these men as each display their model for inspection and comparison by their buddies. At the risk of appearing entirely naive and exposing myself for attacks by both men and women I must confess that I was quite amused at the scene.
What fascinated me more than ever was the superficiality of the union since the men could not seriously believe that these young women are attracted to them and I really would find it hard to believe that the young ladies found the pot bellies of their partners irresistible.
It dawned on me that our men have suffered a tremendous erosion of their self-esteem and self-respect and must now have their fragile egos fed even at the expense of appearing totally ridiculous in public.
The women on the other hand seem totally and completely unconcerned at the image they present. Neither ladies nor men appeared in the least bit abashed at the thought of being seen together and the apparent pride of the men cannot be overstated.
Culture emerges and evolves as society adapts to its surroundings and I have no doubt this is a reflection of our changing culture. Changes must take place in this process of evolution and we should seek to make changes that enhance our self-esteem and dignity.
Our young women too need to be reminded that they are capable of success equal to any man and the changing culture operates to their advantage as women are being allowed more and more to prove their equality in every sphere of the economy.
There is very little we can control in this society but we can certainly create meaningful relationships that will support and promote our state of well-being rather than merely satisfying the bruised and battered egos of our menfolk.
I am etc.,
FAYE ELLECE JACOBS
fayej@N5.com
