The Death of Charm
1st June 2013
Allow me to suggest that part of this paucity of suavity stems from the weaponization of gender relations. Men can be excused for feeling uncomfortable casually bantering with women because men can never be sure what will be taken in good humor and what will be considered a grave offense. In the workplace setting this pressure is even more intense and the stakes higher, with lawsuits for casual comments a real fear. It’s better to shut down entirely than risk incurring the wrath of HR (or an aggrieved husband whose wife complains about your back and forth after the fact).
I blame feminism. But that’s me.