Independence IS Alive at Berkeley!

My roommates, friends, and I have noticed that the men on campus are refreshingly independent and don't conform to outdated expectations of "chivalry." For instance, the other day I was carrying several grocery bags back to the dorm, and a guy who lives in the same unit saw me. He mentioned that it looked like a lot to carry up the stairs, but then continued on his way without offering to help. I actually appreciated that he didn’t assume I needed assistance just because I was carrying a load.

At Berkeley, it’s nice to see that many guys don’t automatically hold doors open for others or jump in to help at every little sign of struggle. It's a sign that they respect our autonomy and don't assume we can't handle things ourselves. It feels like a step away from traditional gender roles, where men are expected to "rescue" women. I've also noticed that many women here are more than willing to offer a helping hand if they see someone who genuinely needs it, which feels more authentic and less performative.

Does anyone else appreciate this shift in attitude?