THE ETHICIST-Q TAP

 

Not Long ago, my daughter-in-law, sister, cousin and I were waiting for a table in a family-style restaurant, close to the exit.

A middle-aged man had been eyeing my daughter-in-law. On his way out, he paused as he passed us, and said to her, '' With all due respect, you are very attractive. ''

'' Feeling both protective and offended, I said to him, '' That is wholly inappropriate, sir.''

My cousin snapped at me that it was only a compliment. My sister got mad at me for upsetting my cousin. My daughter-in-law appreciated my reaction but said that she has had ''way creepier men say way creepier things to her.

I responded to them all that a stranger has no business commenting on the looks of a person, good or bad, and that this man would never have said a word if any man had been standing with us. 

Who is right? - Name Withheld.

! Remember to read the analysis and the answer from Kwame Anthony Appiah who teaches philosophy at N.Y.U. in the next publishing !.