Many have commented about the change in the Senate’s dress code, focusing on the change from traditional dress. They express concern with what they see as an impropriety, a break in standards, a relaxation of taste.
I am more concerned with a broader issue illustrated by this decision; namely, the abandonment of long-standing traditions to accommodate a single person or a small group. We have seen accommodations for many small groups to the detriment and discomfort of large majorities. Must women suffer because a few transgender prefer to use women’s bathrooms, or to participate in women’s sports? Why is the comfort of women less important than that of transgenders? Surely other accommodations could be made.
Why do some minority groups (LGBT) need to be specially welcomed in venues (libraries, schools) where all should be equally welcome?
Why should a majority be intimidated and/or persecuted for not adapting to changes in traditional language? Should the majority have to abandon traditional words such as mother and father, he and she, to accommodate a relatively small group of highly vocal individuals?
We must respectfully resist the eradication of our history and our positive practices. Accommodations can work both ways.
Coleman Paul New York
