For years the term “chivalry is dead” has been used by both men and women. But no one person can pinpoint as to why, who, or what killed it. As the feud between men and women continue, there is always a finger pointed from one side to another and nobody takes the blame.
For those who are absolutely clueless about the origin of chivalry, I'll break it down for you. Chivalry began in the Middle Ages, and was actually the sum of rules and customs for the institution of knighthood. However, over the years the meaning took a turn towards a more romantic and moral cause. Although the meaning has been slightly altered, the fact still remains that the man is a hero to those in the female population. Not out of a need for attention or even that of affection, simply an act of “chivalry” to where a woman feels in the presence of a true gentleman.
But enough about the history lesson and the sob story. The truth is that the debacle still continues whether it's the male population's fault for the drastic kill switch or maybe women are to blame or MAYBE it's all just a fantasy. Let's wander down each avenue to recap some things.
Men, aren't all created equal.
So to sit here and say that all men are selfish pigs would be a lie; Saying that they're all the perfect gentleman is also false. Remember that morals are instilled in a man when he is young. To which most men grow up with the teachings of their fathers that showing emotion isn't “manly” or the definition of a man is to be desensitized of weakness. Now, some men disagree with this, and to you, congratulations. You're far and few in between. I'm not saying cry at every chance or drastically pour out your feelings (unless you want to, then that's all you). However, there are a set of standards to certain things. Anything in excess is bad, remember that. If a man is raised by his mother (or a chivalrous father) then the boy would hopefully grasp what has been taught and apply it into manhood. Unfortunately, not everything goes quite like this and so there is quite the division between those whom still apply chivalry and those who can give a damn because it's a waste of time. Why? Well, that leads us into the next analysis.
Women. There can be A LOT to go with here.
But I'll just stick to the main three points.
First, women want to be independent yet they want to be catered to at the same time. In essence, they want their cake, eat it, and then some. Secondly, some women have been dealing with the wrong kind of “men” therefore they give up on believing chivalry even exists at all. Thirdly, you have women that confuse every gentleman that comes along with chivalrous acts as “gay”, “weird”, or “flirting”. So let me set something straight, ladies, if you feel a TRUE gentleman is endangering your state of independence, you're immature and your perspective on life needs to change if you ever plan on finding a real man of values and character. Those that are attracted to “bad boys” expect a guy with poor morals and little respect for what a true gentleman stands for. And to the women that think it's weird or a flirtatious act because a man holds the door or actually says hello as he enters a room, either one: GET OVER YOURSELF or two: APPRECIATE IT and stop making the few men that show women respect regardless of physical attraction regret their actions.
All in all, more men need to step up their game when it comes to acts of chivalry even if it's starting off with simple things (ie holding a door, pulling out a chair, etc). The few that already practice these, keep it up 'cause believe it or not you're appreciated and noticed. And for you women, learn how to live balanced and show gratitude for the men that go out of their way to act heroically for the opposite sex. This is all easier said than done, but I have some hope if everyone started to actually compose themselves as adults.
