Etiquette - Schmetiquette

When I decided to describe the following two similar events, I thought the social commentary would develop from a different angle. Here goes:

Several months ago I left Steve's office on a business day. I was dressed nicely and was juggling my big purse, a box, and a bag. I got down the stairs and was heading across the parking lot to the next asile where my car was parked. Being the ever-graceful person I am, I started losing control of the stuff. A young man walking near me said, "Can I help you with all that?" By then I was at my car, but thanked him anyway.

This morning I left Steve's office, again juggling. This time it was 2 bags of trash, a box of old brochures, my purse, and a plastic mop bucket. I was dressed this time in an old T-shirt & cotton pants, with no make-up, wild Saturday-morning hair, and red spots on my face from a visit to the dermatologist yesterday. I should note that I have a 'deal' with Steve...I clean his small office on alternate Saturday mornings, and he pays for a cleaning lady to clean our big house! It takes me about an hour, and the house would take days!

Two young men approached me as the stuff was slipping out of my grasp. They both looked at me, but kept walking. I dropped one bag, picked it up, took a few more steps and was beside two more young men who were chatting with a third who sat in his car. I was still bouncing this stuff around, and again, they all looked at me but none asked to help me!

I was sure this was indicative of class distinction! One who looks like the boss's wife deserves a little help. The old cleaning lady doesn't. But Julia had another view when I told her about it. She says young men aren't taught to help a lady in distress! She thinks the first guy was the exception, and the next 5 were more typical.

What is this world coming to???