Hello, My Name is . . . [pregnant chick]
A solution to the whole pregnant woman on a train dilemma?
Feministing has a great story, via Reuters, about the Japanese Health Ministry's distribution of "I am pregnant" badges to women (who, incidentally, don't actually have to prove they're pregnant) so that fellow commuters will offer them seats on crowded trains.
The comments that follow are interesting, especially the question of why, exactly, offering your seat to a pregnant woman is the chivalrous thing to do. Is it the weight or the nausea?
Before being pregnant, I'd always assumed it was the weight -- a free seat as compensation for having to carry around a 20+ pound burden and, um, continuing the human race.
But, while I never really had morning sickness, I do now grasp that the nausea/dizziness aspect of the first trimester when, if you're lucky, it's not at all obvious that you are pregnant, is a pretty big deal. Of course, so is going to work with the flu. Or a hangover.
In theory, you should be able to ask for a seat if you feel like you really need one, for whatever reason. And people, generally, are probably civil enough to comply.
But maybe a button makes the whole thing easier.
Comments
The idea of pregnancy buttons is rediculous. Pregnancy is a lifestyle CHOICE. Unless I see that a woman is in actual need of a seat, I don't give up my seat. Mark Rudov said it best when he termed chivalry as benevolent sexism. If women wish to be taken seriously they need to stop stop asking for and accepting preferential treatment. Having been to Japan, I realize that women there aren't afforded the vast amounts of preferential treatment as women here in the US are, but they need to reject these badges en masse.
PICKETT replies: The idea of "actual need" is a tough one to define. And, while I'm totally with you on the whole you-can't-have-it-both-ways argument regarding sexism and preferential treatment, I'm not quite sure that pregnancy fits into the category of "lifestyle choice," along with, say, windsurfing or getting tattoos. Personally, I'd love to make the choice to have my husband -- who is physically bigger and stronger than I am and generally either works from home or commutes by car -- handle the procreation for our family, thus eliminating any train-ride discomfort for me. But, alas, THAT lifestyle choice does not seem to be open to us.
Posted by: Justin | August 17, 2006 02:14 AM
The choice that I was referring to was the choice of getting pregnant. Women have about 10 or 11 different forms of birth control available to them (not including abortion), depending on whether they have had children or not. Women can no longer say "Oops, I spread my legs and a baby popped out" and get away with it. Women have so many options when it comes to preventing a pregnancy. With that amazing power comes responsibility. Women can't expect to have that kind of power and not suffer any repercussions. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a complete ass. If I see a woman that looks nauseous or in pain I will give her my seat. That goes for anybody. What I do not do is make special exceptions for an entire group of people based upon gender, age, or status. In a time where we are bombarded with demands for equal treatment, I give it. A pregnant woman who does present a real need for my seat has the same right to stand up as I do.
Posted by: Justin | August 18, 2006 03:19 PM