The Hat Courtesy

Jamestown Press
Jamestown, [Boone County] Indiana
Friday, 6 July 1900 page 1

THE HAT COURTESY

We have often thought about the hat courtesy, that of a man lifting or tipping his hat to a lady when he greets her. What is there of it? Does it show a more respect and esteem for a lady than a kind, gentle and courteous greeting? It is true that most women like a mark of courtesy paid to them by men, but an observant women looks for more in a true gentleman than the courtesy of lifting, tipping or touching a hat. There are many ways of a man displaying the true marks of a gentleman than the form of lifting the hat, and women as a rule, are very observant creatures, especially of conduct of a man, and they can soon tell by the various little acts and conduct before them whether a man is a true gentleman or not. The hat courtesy does not add anything to the conduct of a gentleman towards a lady more than a mark of attention and recognition as a lady. It is therefore only a matter of form in recognizing them as a lady or a woman.

If it is a mark of courtesy in recognizing a woman because she is a woman, then it should be practiced towards all women - old or young ladies or otherwise. Then if we practice it towards all, man is sometimes placed in an embarrassing position in being compelled to recognize a woman of low character. It would be an act of ill manners and an insult not to recognize her in the same courteous manner all woman should be recognized - because she is a woman. Men who are not gentlemen will practice this courtesy towards women for effect, and there are many sensitive women who will take the act from a married man as practiced for effect.

Because it is ill at ease in some instances and because it is not viewed and recognized alike by all persons and because it is a courtesy that should be exercised toward all women alike, we believe it could be dispensed with with [sic] much more grace than retained.

Transcribed by: Janet Isley Price.