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Showing Original Post only (View all)The latent sexism of the male marriage proposal [View all]
When I got engaged earlier this year, well-meaning friends excitedly asked "how he proposed" and then immediately looked at my left hand.
I've been told I can thank the Archduke Maximilian of Austria, who proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring in 1477, for such instincts. But maybe I should thank the originators: the prehistoric men who demonstrated their control over women by tying braided grass around their wrists and ankles.
You'd think the obvious sexism of the modern proposal would rankle my progressive friends. Yes, plenty of brides have men in their bridal parties, more and more women are ditching the "virginal" white dress, and guys aren't running to ask their fiancees' fathers for "permission" to marry them anymore. But our culture still, overwhelmingly, pushes the traditional male proposal: down on one knee, with a sparkly diamond (and often a flash mob) in tow.
Tracy Clark-Flory at Salon argues that the male proposal is "a culturally sanctioned time for a man to show his tenderness." But the tradition pushes stereotypical gender roles: The "tender" man is still in control of the situation, while the woman is forced to take a passive role. And if a woman proposes to a man, it's seen as emasculating.
I've been told I can thank the Archduke Maximilian of Austria, who proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring in 1477, for such instincts. But maybe I should thank the originators: the prehistoric men who demonstrated their control over women by tying braided grass around their wrists and ankles.
You'd think the obvious sexism of the modern proposal would rankle my progressive friends. Yes, plenty of brides have men in their bridal parties, more and more women are ditching the "virginal" white dress, and guys aren't running to ask their fiancees' fathers for "permission" to marry them anymore. But our culture still, overwhelmingly, pushes the traditional male proposal: down on one knee, with a sparkly diamond (and often a flash mob) in tow.
Tracy Clark-Flory at Salon argues that the male proposal is "a culturally sanctioned time for a man to show his tenderness." But the tradition pushes stereotypical gender roles: The "tender" man is still in control of the situation, while the woman is forced to take a passive role. And if a woman proposes to a man, it's seen as emasculating.
http://theweek.com/article/index/272376/the-latent-sexism-of-the-male-marriage-proposal
I wonder how many women have "basically" told the man in their lives to shit or get off the pot? So, I'm not so sure I agree 100% that in our society today, that most women are passive players in the game.
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I proposed to my husband. Twelve years later, we finally got around to it.
Luminous Animal
Dec 2014
#14
After reading your thread, I have to agree! Thanks for the good wishes, my dear Boston Bean!
CaliforniaPeggy
Dec 2014
#24
I think the traditional proposals are more common with snooty upper class folks.
Ykcutnek
Dec 2014
#22
I think you are correct. Most people discuss these things prior to engagement.
boston bean
Dec 2014
#25
I've always thought the reason women dont do it is because they're afraid of the possible rejection
davidn3600
Dec 2014
#28
In all seriousness, I've had a few (mis)adventures myself, but my autobiography would be boring
nomorenomore08
Dec 2014
#55
We talked about it, but thought it would be kinda weird to have a woman make the proposal....
Liberal Veteran
Dec 2014
#33
I'm short on time, but the article seems to gloss over the fact that most women prefer it this way.
Threedifferentones
Dec 2014
#35
My proposal from my husband began with,"I was driving over here to break up with you..."
ScreamingMeemie
Dec 2014
#40
The down on th knee things seems to be a more recent re-introdlluction of some old custom
treestar
Dec 2014
#42
when I was 2O (22 yrs ago) this chump somehow convinced me to pay for my own ring
freeplessinseattle
Dec 2014
#49
I bet there are more proposals now while holding a pregnancy test instead of a ring.
rug
Dec 2014
#52