Anti-Flirt Club

Anti-flirt

Alice Reighly

Anti-Flirt Club was a social organization founded in the early 20th century, specifically in 1923, in Washington, D.C., by Alice Reighly. The club was established with the aim of protecting young women and girls from unwanted advances and the perceived increase in flirtation and sexual harassment in public spaces, particularly from men in automobiles. The Anti-Flirt Club is a notable example of early feminist movements and social reform efforts aimed at safeguarding women's rights and promoting respectable behavior in public.

History

The Anti-Flirt Club was founded amidst a backdrop of changing social norms and behaviors in the United States. The 1920s, often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties," was a period marked by significant social, cultural, and political change. Women had recently gained the right to vote with the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, and there was a growing sense of independence among young women. However, this period also saw an increase in concerns over public morality and behavior.

Alice Reighly, the president of the Anti-Flirt Club, and its members were particularly concerned with the behavior of "mashers" – men who would harass women in public places. The club's formation was a direct response to these concerns, and it sought to establish a set of rules and guidelines to discourage such behavior.

The Anti-Flirt's Ten Commandments

The Anti-Flirt Club was known for its "Ten Commandments," a set of rules that were intended to guide the behavior of young women and men. These commandments included advice against accepting rides from strangers, engaging in flirtatious glances, and the importance of maintaining a dignified demeanor in public. The commandments were widely publicized and served as a code of conduct for the club's members.

Impact and Legacy

The Anti-Flirt Club received a considerable amount of media attention during its time, highlighting the public's interest in and the controversy surrounding the club's objectives and methods. While the club was active primarily in the 1920s, its existence reflects broader themes in American society regarding gender, morality, and public behavior that continued to evolve throughout the 20th century.

The club's efforts can be seen as an early form of activism against sexual harassment, predating more formal movements and legal recognitions of such issues. It also highlights the role of women in advocating for their rights and safety in public spaces, a concern that remains relevant today.

See Also

• Feminism
• Sexual harassment
• Women's suffrage in the United States
• Social reform