The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-01-20
HE DOUBLE STANDARD
OF MORALITY.

OF MORALITY.
That there is double standard of
morality is generally conceded, and
is, indeed, recognized not only by in
dividuals Of both sexes, but even in
the laws that govern the relations be-
tween the sexes. But that this is a
just and righteous condition of things,
every true and right minded man and
woman viii strenuously deny when
psintedly confronted with the ques-
ton and pressed for an answer. AS
a rule, the women viii lay the blame
unon the men, and point out the fact
that the laws of the land are made
by men. and that the women have no
voice and very little influence in the
matter. SO far this is true, but II does
not strike at the heart of the evil.
This Is to be discovered in the diff
ferent treatment that is melted out
to offenders against the moral and
social law, by their friends and ac-
qraintances. and I'm this respect It can
he said with absolute truth by any
who have had the opportunity to ex-
anime. and the willingness to observe
and analyze, that women are directly
responsible for the double standard,
in that they themselves by their ac-
ton and treatment of offenders rec
ognize II and accept It. Let any wo-
man go astray from the path of vir,
the. and even though she may be, rs
in nine cases out of ten she is more
sinned against than SHINING, and her
sisters proceed to "cut her dead" She
IS tabooed by them she IS socially
ostracised. No opportunity Is offered
her for redemption and rehabilita-
ton. She is made to feel that she
Is a pariah, social outcast. On the
other hand, the man who was respon-
sible for her downfall and disgrace,
who should. II this treatment is right,
hc treated in the same manner. but
with more severity as bearer of the
greater guilt Is still accepted as a
member Of the same society. invited
to social functions, introduced by
mothers to their daughters. and made
to feel that HIS share in the double
guilt amounts to nothing at all.
Mothers who would SILVER with APP
prehension at the thought Of their
sons assocIating with young woman
tainted with the breath OF scandal,
with permit young men in their homes
and indeed. invite them thereto,
whose regulations they know to he
bad in social respects. How can it
happen that fathers who talk in the
streets and clubs about a mans de-
linquencies can invite that same man
within the sacred precincts Of their
homes, passes the comprehension of
those who take time and trouble
enough to give the matter thought.
When the women OF our land resolve
10 treat the man who sins as they
do the woman who falls we shall
soon remember the double standard
Of morality ,only as an unsavory mat
ter Of history. And the young fellow
engaged in the mutterable folly Of
sowing Wild oats win hesitate before
sowing that particular brand II he
knows the result will be that he will
be Stunned, ostracised, boycotted by
al his feminine acquaintance whose
friendship and regard are worth hav-
ing SO long as he knows as he knows
now, that in spite Of his unclean and
unlawful actions. he can still claim
acquaintance and friendship with the
Good and pure women Of the commu-
nifty, eat and drink with them. be
received into their homes. be appoint
ed to important office and take his
stand as reputable citizen, he win
continue TO be a law unto himself In
matters Of morals and let his passions
Re his monitor ana guide. Who then
Is responsible for the double stand
ardi Answer IN the Hight Of your
knowledge aud resolve accordingly ~.
s. augustine Record.