The Umbrella

[Tiki Tom]

There was an article in my local newspaper about men who carry umbrellas. I can't, for the life of me. find it on line but what the (male) journalist was implying is that it's somewhat effete for a man to carry such an accessory. Seriously?

You both look very sharp. Beautiful umbrellas.

First, an admission: When it is raining, I frequently carry an umbrella. It’s very practical. A well made umbrella is a thing of beauty.

THAT having been said, In more than one foreign policy class at university we were instructed that world leaders and diplomats should never carry umbrellas. Why? Because Neville Chamberlain loved the things and, thanks to Munich, the umbrella has become a firmly established symbol of APPEASEMENT. From that, it is only a short jump to "real men don’t appease, therefore real men don’t use umbrellas." Silly, but there you have it. As a matter of fact, U.S. Marines (the male kind) are explicitly prohibited from carrying umbrellas.

It's a funny old world.

https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/196250/does-the-umbrella-represent-political-weakness/

https://www.theatlantic.com/politic...umbrella-scandal-folded-it-could-take/315117/

 

[Peacoat]

You both look very sharp. Beautiful umbrellas.

As a matter of fact, U.S. Marines (the male kind) are explicitly prohibited from carrying umbrellas.

The Army also prohibited the carrying of umbrellas when I was in. My Father was a Marine, and never owned an umbrella. I have gotten over that silliness and own several of them.

 

[Turnip]

Funny, I joined German Navy and haven’t seen anyone around there with an umbrella, that’s what respective clothing is supplied for.
And i have to confess even in worst weather and high sea or on guard duty for hours in the rain I didn’t really miss one.

Though i find a well made, gentlemanly umbrella can be a very attractive accessory I could just still not imagine to carry one.

 

[GHT]

First, an admission: When it is raining, I frequently carry an umbrella. It’s very practical. A well made umbrella is a thing of beauty.
THAT having been said, In more than one foreign policy class at university we were instructed that world leaders and diplomats should never carry umbrellas. Why? Because Neville Chamberlain loved the things and, thanks to Munich, the umbrella has become a firmly established symbol of APPEASEMENT. From that, it is only a short jump to "real men don’t appease, therefore real men don’t use umbrellas." Silly, but there you have it. As a matter of fact, U.S. Marines (the male kind) are explicitly prohibited from carrying umbrellas.
It's a funny old world.

Indeed it is, your post intrigued me, I've done a little delving and found that Chamberlain was in a sort of damned if he did, damned if he didn't situation. What I have uncovered is quite long but easy readable, it would be better to put the whole thing in the WW2 forum, however: https://www.historynet.com/sympathy-for-the-neville.htm