When I was graduated from Illinois State University (1961), my degree certified me to coach and teach in the disciplines of health, physical education, World History, United States History and sociology. My greatest passion and preparation was anchored in coaching but a deep interest, which I continue to study is the field of sociology. I simply find the history and tendencies of man's cultural behavior steeped in folkways, mores and established norms fascinating and constantly under pressures to change. That which was a taboo yesterday can be totally acceptable behavior today.
Let's take for example one aspect of the human relationships in 'courtship.' Once upon a time a older person who married a much younger person was referenced as a cradle-robber. Today that older woman in a relationship with a much younger man is more acceptable with a shiny profile called 'Cougar.' The older man with the younger woman is no longer a ' hound dog' but simply seeking that 'trophy wife,' although that younger woman still may fight the label 'gold-digger.'
I recall the expectation of a young courtship requiring certain etiquette features. The boy went to the date's door and escorted her to,the auto where he opened her passenger door. In time a 'car honk' expedited the ritual. I also read of times when the young woman and young man had nearby chaperones for dating, although that was before my time. There is one aspect of courtship, which came after 'my time' and that would be couples 'living together' before they married, if they married.
The late celebrated anthropologist, Margaret Mead once suggested that America experienced its only sexual revolution in the 1920's those 'Roaring Twenties.' Margaret Mead died in 1978. I wonder if Mead's attitude might change if alive today.
(Touch)
You're The One
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