Insulting word

Cynicism is not my cup of tea. Neither is a negative approach to life. Hence nor was the opinion written by columnist Lorna Vassallo (May 12).

In the article, Ms Vassallo poked fun at a "stereo-typed Nationalist". What shocked me most was the fact that she described this Nationalist as seemingly too "pathetic". Her justification for her use of such a crude and insulting word was two-fold.

Firstly, that this man seems to have financial problems. Persons with financial problems are an unfortunate reality but are certainly not pathetic! Also, she readily complains because this man at her table did not pay for her meal, even though, as she puts it, she is "obviously and beyond doubt a lady". She also points out that men are no longer buying women drinks on nights out.

Such comments upset me because in this day and age, when women have successfully proven their worth in different fields in the work place, one does not expect them to insist on men paying for their drinks or meals. Women should be insisting, and writing, about more important matters!

Also, chivalry is still relevant nowadays but it has been moulded by the age of equality - a woman should also be "chivalrous" to her male counterpart. Of course, it is nice for a man to pay for a woman's drink but there is no reason why a woman shouldn't buy a man a drink sometimes; at least she should not complain if he doesn't buy her one.

Secondly, according to Ms Vassallo, this man seems to be pathetic in "his naïveté in trying to impress someone by justifying the government". In this case, the justification for her use of the word pathetic is even more surprising. Is someone's opinion pathetic? For crying out loud - if a person believes that the government is doing a good job (or a bad one for that matter) those around him should be respectful of his opinion, even if they do not agree with it.

It is, of course, regrettable that Ms Vassallo's friends are coming up with various justifications for not being able to spend time with her. I doubt she can put the blame on government policies.