Because I’m such a caveman that I shave with a straight-edge razor, I hadn’t noticed the Gillette campaign. After looking at some of the ads I’m just not sure how to react. I need some time to think it over.

I am certain, however, that I don’t agree with the author’s contention that any man who is offended by the ads must be a misogynistic goon, hysterically confronting denial of his right club women over the head & drag them by the hair.

I like to think I’m more of an ally to women in general than adversary, but I also can’t see the point in trying to prove my virtue. E.g., I was taught to cook & clean & dust & vacuum & even do the windows by a man who probably believed feminism was one of those women’s plumbing problems that occassionally necessitated a trip to the hospital. He’d never lecture me on the virtues of sharing the load. He was the original guy-who-did-what-needed-to-be-done.

I also like to see pretty women scantily clad in public. For that reason I strongly disapprove of catcalling, wolf-whistling, foisting unsolicited compliments, etc. Behaviors, in short, likely to make her feel uncomfortable. Why would you do that? What are you thinking, bro? Be polite, be discrete. Making a big deal out of it’s only going to ensure she’s less likely to dress that way in the future.

So, what this amounts to is, I hope, enlightened self interest. If I want clean windows, I’d better get the squeegee & the Windex; if I want to see pretty women in the street or workplace I’d best keep eyes down & mouth shut.