Wrestling Girls

A friend of mine asked the question, “Why are boys wrestling girls in Iowa?”

Perhaps you have read about the high school wrestler in Iowa who essentially forfeited a tournament match because his opponent was female. He is catching all kinds of flak from feminist groups. I wouldn’t be surprised if they stormed the state capital, raising caricatures of the young man that look like Hitler. That’s all the rage now, you know.

But seriously, let’s take a look at this situation.

First, the young man behaved like a consummate gentleman. He said nothing about the girl’s chosen sport. In fact, he acknowledged her accomplishments and praised her ability. He lamented his decision in a way that shows remarkable awareness of the powerful counterarguments to his decision. Would that our politicians were able to think this critically and behave this gallantly.

Second, the boy clearly thought this situation through. There was no tobacco-spitting, terse response, like “Girls…they shouldn’t be rolling around with boys—until they’re married.”

Rather, this young man was taught by his parents and church that boys and girls shouldn’t have physical contact where private areas will likely be touched. They reason that it can spur all kinds of thoughts and temptations that are frankly not worth it. They believe that it is also improper.

I recognize that propriety is a word that many in our hypermodern culture do not comprehend, but for most of world history, there have been rules describing proper public behavior. There are remnants of this antiquated notion. For example, it is still generally considered bad taste to pick one’s nose while ordering dinner at a restaurant (or so they tell me).

Of course there are extremes (e.g., wearing burqas) of propriety that should be rejected and some (e.g., girls only wearing skirts and dresses) that are unnecessary. But what about men opening doors for women? For most of history, this was considered the proper behavior of a gentleman. In some parts of the country today, it is considered affront to women’s liberation. I can’t count the number of times a woman has looked at me exasperated as I held a door for her; I have even gotten, “I am completely capable of opening my own door.” One of the consequences of the extreme feminist movement.

But a remnant of heroes remains. They refuse to wrestle women—although they will certainly play them in chess or Scrabble. They hold open doors for women, children, and the elderly, even if their motives are questioned and their natures abused. Their attitudes are charitable toward women, even during disagreements with them. Would that our public officials learned and practiced such charity, self-sacrifice, and critical thinking!

We can learn something from them Iowa high school boys.