VOL. XVII, NO. 1
SEPTEMBER 26, 1975
My Turn
Where Has Our Chivalry Gone?
Where Has Our Chivalry Gone?
By THOM O'DONNELL
Chivalry is dying a painful death because few women really act like ladies, and few men really act like gentlemen. It's about time something was done about it. A revival of this art may show a little dignity and savoir faire.
I don't exhort bowing from the waist, nor do I urge laying down a coat for a female to tread upon. Let's not overdo it, but we could exhibit a little respect for the age‑old tradition of opening doors for ladies, "women and children first," and all that sort of thing.
Webster defines chivalry as the qualities of an ideal knight, including bravery, honor, courtesy, respect for women, protection of the weak, generosity, and fairness to enemies. Consider how many men actually exhibit these qualities. Is it too much to ask of modern men to polish up their armor a bit?
Chivalry is dying a painful death because few women really act like ladies, and few men really act like gentlemen. It's about time something was done about it. A revival of this art may show a little dignity and savoir faire.
I don't exhort bowing from the waist, nor do I urge laying down a coat for a female to tread upon. Let's not overdo it, but we could exhibit a little respect for the age‑old tradition of opening doors for ladies, "women and children first," and all that sort of thing.
Webster defines chivalry as the qualities of an ideal knight, including bravery, honor, courtesy, respect for women, protection of the weak, generosity, and fairness to enemies. Consider how many men actually exhibit these qualities. Is it too much to ask of modern men to polish up their armor a bit?
Men, however, are not entirely responsible for the decline of gallantry in the twentieth century. Women have had a great deal to do with this. It's one thing to try to get equal treatment with men, but something vastly different to reject attempts at gallantry.
Not all females are into this sort of thing, but those accountable for the crime know who they are. Although few would come out and say it, everyone else knows, too. Would it completely defeat the purpose of Women's Liberation to submit to gentlemanly attentions?
Please, don't misunderstand me. I'm as much if not more chauvinistic as the next guy. I don't advocate piety toward women, but a little respect is in order. Even the most romantic, suave, sharp young man could improve himself in the eyes of his lady by simply displaying a touch of chivalry.
Girls, next time the opportunity arises, let him open the door for you; and guys, open it.
Not all females are into this sort of thing, but those accountable for the crime know who they are. Although few would come out and say it, everyone else knows, too. Would it completely defeat the purpose of Women's Liberation to submit to gentlemanly attentions?
Please, don't misunderstand me. I'm as much if not more chauvinistic as the next guy. I don't advocate piety toward women, but a little respect is in order. Even the most romantic, suave, sharp young man could improve himself in the eyes of his lady by simply displaying a touch of chivalry.
Girls, next time the opportunity arises, let him open the door for you; and guys, open it.