Is chivalry dead?

Question

I don't expect men to throw their coats over puddles or anything for me to walk across, but I am fed up with smart looking professional men barging their way in front of me when I'm trying to get on the train in the morning.

Answer 1

I think it is DYING. I am teaching my son to have it come naturally and willingly. I am only 44 but love it when chivalry shines through.

Answer 2

Ive noticed that in the workplace more than any other place. I forever see these suit wearing six figure making jerks walking before a woman going through a door, allowing a woman to hold the door open for them, its really strange because the reaction on the womens faces is that of acceptance. Do women think they will appear to be weak because they wont some old fashioned courtesy? Not true! I always hold the door open for a woman, i always let a woman go through the door before me, unless were entering the home, the man is supposed to go first, at least thats what ive been taught...i even sleep on the side closest to the door, i walk street side when walking down the sidewalk..and most times, i really do think it either goes unnoticed or unappreciated...anyway, to answer the question, no chivalry isnt dead, its just become more and more rare...and i do believe its the fault of women. Only because people will only treat you the way you allow them to treat you. Stand up and dont be afraid to ask/demand a man to treat you like a woman. There's nothing wrong with it.

Answer 3

In some area, yes chivalry is dead, however in the example you give I believe it isn't a matter of chivalry but of simple courtesy.

Two days ago I tried to enter a train that, due to transport delays, was overcrowded. Most people on the platform were dutifully shuffling along trying to enter the train, when a young woman started pushing and shoving her way to the towards the open door.

I had no qualms in asking her not to push in. When confronted, she backed off.

I suggest you try the same solution.

Answer 4

When getting on public transport or in other busy rushes, chivalry died round the time women decided to become independent, or so it seems. Men of my generation and our fathers got put off with such things. Hell once I offered to let a woman I didn't know go in front of me in a classroom, and she handed me my head.
When it comes down to my own behaviours, I have learned to smile first, then if the smile is returned, I offer to let the lady pass first.
A good many really appreciate being treated like ladies. Makes us both feel good.
So, I can say that chivalry is not completely dead.
--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 5

Approaching 70 I still hold doors open for women in shops, and give up my seat for elderly tired women on buses etc.Its interesting to observe that what I would guess to be lower middle class Yorkshire women ( I live in York), totally ignore me without a smile or a thank you. Younger women , foreigners ( mainly Chinese) and the " better dressed" however do tend to respond with a smile or thanks.
I don't believe that people in so called " Gods own country" are that polite or friendly , but I speak as a Lancastrian !
( for US readers, the North 0f England is split into West and East factions,where the Yorkshire folk of the East are a dour lot.)

Answer 6

Chivalry is not completely dead. There are still chivalrous men out there who never walk past a woman without holding the door open for her. And I've seen many men at airports who hold all the luggage, while the woman just holds her purse...

But I think chivalry shouldn't be limited to courtesy towards women.
I just believe in "quid pro quo" (Latin for "something for something")---that is, you do something for me, I'll do something for you.
I'll be courteous to men, if they do the same. I mean, I hold the door for anyone behind me, whether it's a man or a woman.

Answer 7

Not dead, but doomed. Here's why:

1) Ladies are dying off. Increasingly women do not behave like ladies. They are crude, rude, agressive, and sharp-tongued. Yet, when a door must be opened, they expect to be treated like a genteel lady of the Middle Ages.

Scenario 1: Door needs to be opened: "I'm a genteel Middle Ages lady and I'm unable to open such a heavy door. I expect any available man to open it."

Scenario 2: Five minutes later while driving: "Hey, get the *%*@$# out of my way you *&#@ !!"

2) The attitude that chivalry is slavery. Many women seem to want to be treated like "ladies" when it's to their advantage and then treat the gentleman like a slave.

For example, if a gentleman opens the door for her she doesn't bother to even acknowledge the kind gesture. Chivalry means that she has unpaid doormen wherever she goes. This happens countless times.

These women apparently reason: "I have no reason to thank him or even acknowledge the gesture. He did what he was supposed to do."

This behavior and attitude has doomed chivalry.

Answer 8

It isn't just chivalry, it's manners in general.

In my own office, both men and women will let the door slam in my face instead of holding it open. What a bunch of self-centered jerks!

My neighbor and his wife invested in some books on etiquette to teach to the kids next door, whose parents never say thank you for anything.

I don't know who's to blame, but our reputation around the world as crude and rude is often well-deserved. And yet we're hands down the most generous nation on earth. Go figure.

Answer 9

I'm 43 years old and perhaps I'm considered old fashioned. I have no children of my own but I have three little nephews and seven little neices.Especially in my nephews,I teach them to be a gentleman to women regardless of her age.You offer your seat on the bus or train.You hold open the door or if they are struggling with boxes or holding a child in their arms,be ready to help in case they might fall over.
I too was once told to mind my own business because I stopped to help someone with a flat tire. I once had a guy try barging his way thru the door I was holding for this woman. I grabbed him by his jacket and yanked him back out of the way and told him to wait till she passed first. I have a feeling he didn't like it.

Answer 10

This is where the gender equality thing gets messy.

I am all for chivalry and I try to practice good manners...most women respond in kind...however...sometimes I will do something chivalrious and have it thrown back in my face.

Just yesterday I held the door open for a woman and she said something rude to the effect of 'I am quite able to open my own door!'

So the mixed message is ver hard for guys to understand and some have probably just given up!

Answer 11

I don't think it is. I have men open doors for me all the time. And they are always very helpful to me. Now, in about 20 years when I'm older and not so easy on the eyes, it may die for me then.

Even though this sucks and is unfair, I don't see too many men push aside pretty women.