Page:Counter-currents, Agnes Repplier, 1916.djvu/134

Counter-Currents is curious that the same women who clamour for a recognition of their individual freedom should assume these property rights in men. Dr. Anna Shaw has commented sarcastically upon a habit (one of many bad habits) which she has observed in the unregenerate sex. They speak of their womenkind in terms of relationship; they use the possessive case. They say, "my wife," "my sister," "my daughter," "my mother," "my aunt," instead of "Jane," "Susan," "Mary Ann," "Mrs. Smith," "Miss Jones." Apparently Dr. Shaw does not hear women say, "my husband," "my brother," "my son," "my father," "my uncle"; or, if she does, this sounds less feudal in her ears. Advanced feminists have protested against the custom of "branding a woman at marriage with her husband's name." Even the convenience of such an arrangement fails to excuse its arrogance.

Yet we are bidden to protest against 118