Did(will) feminists go first?

Just some information, if you're interested --

The traditional of giving women preferential treatment in time of danger dates back to the Middle Ages and, as has been previously mentioned, the Age of Chivalry. There were two instances, however, that cemented the "women and children first" tradition.

In 1852, the British warship, HMS Birkenhead set sail for South Africa carrying over 200 British soldiers and 20 women and children, family members of the soldiers. Nearing South Africa, the ship ran aground one night. Everyone made it up on deck and the soldiers began to help the crew launch the lifeboats. Unfortunately, the divots had been painted over and the ropes stuck in the paint. Only three boats were able to be lowered. The women and children were being placed in the boat when the ship's captain, knowing that the ship was sinking, called out, "Every man for himself." The soldiers' commanding officer, realizing that if the lifeboats were rushed, they were be swamped and the women and children dumped into the sea, drew his sword and ordered his men to stand fast. The soldiers obeyed; not one man moved. The boats were launched and all the women and children were saved. Not so for the men who held back.

The second event occurred two years later in 1854. The luxury steam ship, the USS Arctic sailed from England to the United States. During the voyage, the Arctic collided at night with the French ship, the Vesta. Fatally damaged, the Arctic began to sink. Panic ensued, men rushed the lifeboats, including the crew. The lifeboats carried the crew to safety. The ship sank, taking with it every woman and child aboard. People in both England and America were horrified at what happened, and the crew, who were American, could never return to live in the United States because of the animosity felt towards them because of their actions.

These two instances -- the chivalry of the Birkenhead's soldiers and the selfish panic of the Arctic's crew -- gave rise to the "women and children first" tradition at sea. Today, with quick radio communication and helicopters and planes, passengers and crew can, in most instances, be rescued wihtout loss of life. I wouldn't be surprised, however, if in some of these instances the "women and children first" tradition would still be followed. And not all women followed this on the Titanic. The most famous instance is Ida Straus, who refused to leave her husband, but other women also refused to leave husbands. And First Class passenger Edith Evans, who was unmarried, gave up her seat in a life boat for a woman who had children waiting at home. Miss Evans died in the sinking. If I remember correctly, her sacrifice is re-enacted in A Night to Remember.

Sorry for rambling so much. Just wanted to add the history behind the tradition.

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