Has Chivalry Been Consigned to the History Books?
Chivalry was the medieval code of honor covering religion, morals and social codes observed by knights in the Middle Ages, but over the years has come to be understood more as the courteous behavior of men towards women. Knights may be long gone, and with them that original meaning, but has the age of chivalry in its more recent definition also been surpassed in a modern environment of freedom and equality between the sexes? Is chivalry an outdated notion when our society is trying to embrace the model of courtesy to all people, regardless of the sex or position in life?
How chivalry came under fire in the twentieth century
While women may have been considered the weaker sex historically, and denied equal rights to men, they were also held in high regard and were expected to be treated with the greatest of respect in society. It didn’t always apply to the lower echelons, but this was true in many societies around the world. As emancipation and then women’s liberation movements brought about changes in society’s views on the role of women, so the notion of chivalry became somewhat confused. If you were a man, should you continue to doff your hat and open doors for ladies, or would this be seen as a sexist way to behave? Many women actively disliked this form of deference to their sex, as it had its origins in times when women were discriminated against and viewed as inferior in many ways. On the other hand, many women found men who didn’t continue to behave courteously towards them to be rude.
Is there room for chivalry in modern life?
As equality between the sexes evolved and new generations were born who had no experience of life before equality, so the accepted behaviors of men and women changed too. Instead of men being expected to hold doors open for women, people were expected to hold doors open for other people, regardless of the sex of either party. Chivalry became more about everyone having good manners than either sex being treated differently, but in some aspects of life there are still elements of chivalrous behavior remaining. Take proposals for example. Either partner may propose to the other now, whereas traditionally a man would propose to a woman. However, the idea of a man getting on one knee to ask for your hand in marriage still has a romantic association for many women. In addition, the act of asking is often accompanied by a special setting designed to sweep the woman off her feet, and the purchase of exquisite diamond engagement rings for your perfect proposal is still considered a wonderful act of chivalry by many women. Some may argue that this doesn’t gel with equality in the twenty-first century, but for others the continuation of chivalrous behavior in this regard is merely an enjoyable part of a tradition that no longer has any connection to the denial of equal rights.
Women and men have been recognized as having equal rights, and like the right to vote, how you choose to exercise your rights is entirely a matter of your personal choice. If you love the idea of being presented a ring by a man on bended knee, you can enjoy that experience and any other forms of chivalry you wish in freedom.
While women may have been considered the weaker sex historically, and denied equal rights to men, they were also held in high regard and were expected to be treated with the greatest of respect in society. It didn’t always apply to the lower echelons, but this was true in many societies around the world. As emancipation and then women’s liberation movements brought about changes in society’s views on the role of women, so the notion of chivalry became somewhat confused. If you were a man, should you continue to doff your hat and open doors for ladies, or would this be seen as a sexist way to behave? Many women actively disliked this form of deference to their sex, as it had its origins in times when women were discriminated against and viewed as inferior in many ways. On the other hand, many women found men who didn’t continue to behave courteously towards them to be rude.
Is there room for chivalry in modern life?
As equality between the sexes evolved and new generations were born who had no experience of life before equality, so the accepted behaviors of men and women changed too. Instead of men being expected to hold doors open for women, people were expected to hold doors open for other people, regardless of the sex of either party. Chivalry became more about everyone having good manners than either sex being treated differently, but in some aspects of life there are still elements of chivalrous behavior remaining. Take proposals for example. Either partner may propose to the other now, whereas traditionally a man would propose to a woman. However, the idea of a man getting on one knee to ask for your hand in marriage still has a romantic association for many women. In addition, the act of asking is often accompanied by a special setting designed to sweep the woman off her feet, and the purchase of exquisite diamond engagement rings for your perfect proposal is still considered a wonderful act of chivalry by many women. Some may argue that this doesn’t gel with equality in the twenty-first century, but for others the continuation of chivalrous behavior in this regard is merely an enjoyable part of a tradition that no longer has any connection to the denial of equal rights.
Women and men have been recognized as having equal rights, and like the right to vote, how you choose to exercise your rights is entirely a matter of your personal choice. If you love the idea of being presented a ring by a man on bended knee, you can enjoy that experience and any other forms of chivalry you wish in freedom.
