Reassessing the demise of the knight in shining armor
Whenever I give a talk on the subject of chivalry, I can rest assured that, no matter what else the members of the audience may know about the topic, there are three words at the forefront of everyone’s mind: Chivalry is dead.
Somewhere along the line, we got it pounded into our heads that chivalry and equality could not co-exist. But I think the analysts and social commentators who told us that, didn’t have a thorough understanding of what chivalry really was. They saw an act of courtesy or deference and interpreted it as the result of a condescending attitude. What they missed was the respect and mutual admiration which such an act of chivalry conveys — if they had looked at chivalry from that angle, I suspect there never would have been any talk about its “death.”
Chivalry was created during the Middle Ages to combat the attitudes of brutality, ignorance and prejudice which were all-too-common in that era of darkness and cruelty. Far from being dead, chivalry today is embodied by people whose actions are always trustworthy and admirable; who understand that strength and gentleness are not opposites; and who know the importance of standing by one’s principles, no matter how tempting the compromise.
In fact, chivalry seems to be more alive today than ever. People everywhere are reevaluating the things that are important in their lives, and they’re rediscovering the virtues that the code of chivalry stands for — hope, kindness, respect, integrity and courage. They are discovering that they can still be inspired by a hero, and, best of all, they’re realizing that when chivalry and equality stand side-by-side, anybody can be a knight in shining armor.
it may not be dead, but it is definitely on life support! (Liberated)
women dont appreciate it so men stop. Its not politically correct either.
I agree completely with Rufus. I honestly think it is dead and gone since women can’t accept the fact that chivalry is done to show respecty and loyalty, not to demean the role of a woman!
That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Have you ever dated a girl that made you sit thru a romantic movie? Who gets the girl, the chivarlous man or the douchebag? The chivarlous man. Why do you think that is a reoccuring role in women’s books and movies? Its because that’s what women crave. Regardless of what you might hear, our mother’s still teach us to expect these things. If the man treats you with the respect and dignity you deserve, then submit to him, because he’s only acting in your best interest. That’s what we are taught. Yes, we can do everything they can do, but they are still the protectors. That’s how it is. If a woman screams at you for opening a door for her, simply respond, “My mother taught me to treat all women with respect.” and leave it at that. If she has a legit problem with it, then she probably isn’t worth your time anyway.
I will not pay for affection and companionship. Dinner dates will always be Dutch with me. I refuse to be a John.