Chivalry code of conduct answers7/6/2023 ![]() Poonam Singh, a sociologist at the American College of Dubai, feels chivalry is embedded in cultures and spontaneously demonstrated during times of crises. The very concept of chivalry sprung from Europe during the medieval times when knights on steeds had to wage wars, show their prowess at fencing and shooting to be able to defend the honour of their women. The chasm between chivalry and male dominance, perceived or real, is at the best of times not easy to bridge. Secondly, a lot of men are unclear about the correct beliefs as a consequence, chivalry is undergoing a identity crisis. The issue of chivalry is actually about two real concerns: firstly the majority of "modern" men are afraid to be chivalrous for fear of being mocked. 5) Give up your seat on public transport to a lady. 4) Pay for the date when you have asked her out. 2) Walk on the outside of the pavement, nearest to the road. Wilcox's five acts of everyday chivalry, which according to him apply even in today's times are: 1) Open the door for a lady. Truth is, a woman wants to be treated like a lady, she wants us guys to be gallant and such actions are worthy and go to show that we should seek this kind of respect in our relationships." In my opinion, chivalry should be shown at all times and men should not hide behind excuses such as women's push for equality or their view of it. ![]() "Some believe that in the battle of the sexes chivalry is an attempt to solidify the place of the ‘weaker sex'. Having said that, Wilcox also believes that in these times chivalry is no longer gender-specific and that both men and women are expected to be chivalrous to each other. The fact is that it is now a dying quality that needs saving from extinction." Traditionally, chivalry is a ‘male only' value that has been fostered from medieval times where knights defended the honour of ladies and were just, loyal, brave, and noble to show courage at all times. "It is the cornerstone to one's ethics and beliefs. Richard Wilcox, business development manager for Microsoft UAE, feels that in today's world of fierce contests for spoils of equality, chivalry has an even more important role to play. So does that still qualify as a nod in the direction of chivalry?īeneath all the layers of etymology, does chivalry still rest comfortably on the matrix spun from decency, generosity, good manners and responsibility? It turned out no woman expected, or even wanted, her man to throw his coat over a puddle to help her daintily cross over (she bought that coat for him last Valentine's and it cost her half her monthly salary) but all the women said they would be deeply charmed by a well-mannered man who would put her needs before his. I did a quick informal survey among friends. What about other men and women? What's their take on chivalry? ![]() I am not exactly in awe of a man who lunges first towards the elevator when it opens. Personally, I am always impressed by a man who shows consideration, sensitivity and a whole lot of courtesy. ![]() Was what they said true? Do women who chair board meetings, fly planes, lead armies and call the shots at home, truly turn up their nose when a man opens open a door or pulls a chair for them? Has an obit been officially written for chivalry as we have known it all along? The clones of Sir Galahad, the fascimilies of Arthurian knights, are they mere tales of the past and not legendary heroes? I shrunk back a mile, said I needed to get myself a nibble and left for a quiet corner to mull over the issue. It's you women, they all seemed to bellow, who have killed chivalry in us thanks to your constant desire to prove you are smarter than us. Don't get me wrong, I am no damsel in distress but what's wrong with wanting a little assistance?Īt a party later that week, I happened to rue the loss of chivalry to a woman friend and lo and behold, at least half a dozen men materialised from thin air to pounce on my sentence with industrial-strength ferocity. Huffing and puffing, I desperately hoped for a gallant man to drive by and stop to offer help. A flat tyre in the middle of a highway and the great struggle to replace it - alone. ![]()
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