Is chivalry dead and what killed it?

Question

If it is dead.

These are interesting responses. Now you see, if it hadn't been for all of you I wouldn't be thinking about it as carefully as I am now. Thank you Drphilfan, Baba Yoga, Wendy G., Joy, Jsmith and Chdoctor for thought-provoking answers.

Answer 1

It's not dead altogether- it's up to each individual how they want to behave, and while by and large I'd say people are not as romantic as they used to be and treat relationships with the same respect as years ago, there still are some old-fashioned people out there (myself included) who want to revive it as much as possible!
I'd say the biggest 'killer' has been popular culture- what's on TV, movies, the radio has influenced peoples' notions of how to behave. It has brought out the lowest of the low in people, and sex in its raw, animalistic form is what is all over the place

Answer 2

Debra's Dilemma comes down to wanting a man she could at least see eye to eye with, which is respectable. Her problem and what the article seems to focus on is that it is hard to date and know a person based on what you see, to Debra and many other women it's easier to look at what someone cannot lie about such as occupation. Does that mean we are all after a mans wallet? Not always but there are exceptions. Would Debra have been happy with a guy that lied to her from day one? Probably not, but it makes a good story. I don't mind chivalry to some extent, but it should be an offer not insisted on. I've had men and women hold a door open for me, and have done the same in return. That's being polite. I've also had to deal with men flocking around demanding to help me change a tire or lift something heavy, thats where the line should be drawn. Little bit of pride (I can go about my life without you) and a little bit of snottiness (thats going to take more time interacting with you than I would like), but just the offer is always welcomed.

Answer 3

“Chivalry[1] is a term related to the medieval institution of knighthood
Between the 11th century and 15th centuries Medieval writers often used the word chivalry, but its definition was never consistent between authors, and its meaning would change on a regional basis, and even over time. Further, its modern meanings is different from medieval meanings. Thus, the exact meaning of chivalry changes depending on the writer, the time period, and the region, so a comprehensive definition of the term is elusive”.

Here’s what I think about “CHIVALRY”:

Main Entry: RED HERRING
Function: noun
“2 [from the practice of drawing a red herring across a trail to confuse hunting dogs] : something that distracts attention from the real issue.”

Free tip o' the day: learn to become more media literate. There is no such thing, and never was. In today's world it is used by pop culture media and cranks as a red herring.

EDIT:
CHIVALRY YOU SAY??? I WOULD BE HAPPY JUST TO FIND MORE GOOD OLD-FASHIONED DECENCY IN SOME MEN.
If this just isn't the most PERFECT illustration of when men disagree because their ego's can't handle it! The primary difference between a real man and the likes of this impersonator dipshit is that REAL men don't crap their pants at the mere thought of women speaking out. Why? Because these highly neurotic, paranoid dipshits are insecure and easily intimidated.

Answer 4

The concept of chivalry is related to nobility; chivalry was reserved only for women of noble bearing, when there were social restraints on what these women could and could not do. Chivalry is dead because modern women are no longer ladies. Nowadays a woman could have given your best friend a ******* before going on a date with you. Thats why.

Answer 5

Well, I think it depends on your definition of chivalry. The codes of chivalry have long been dead but have had a profound effect on the West's interpretation of feminism, and was seriously reflected upon during the Victorian Era. However, the feminist movement has done much to erase those cultural attitudes towards females originally brought upon by the codes of chivalry.

Answer 6

It is...but it never really existed in the first place, not even in the middle ages. It was more of a cultural ideal than anything based in reality. Read up on what chivalry actually is supposed to be, and then read your history. It never existed.

Answer 7

While feminism did more to kill chivalry in America than any other factor, not all feminism necessitates the death of chivalry. When I open a door for someone, I do it to be kind. It's pretty rare when an angry feminist calls me a chauvinist for doing this. I think the next time an angry feminist calls me a chauvinist, I'll call her a bigot for yelling at a transvestite who's holding the door open for her (not that I am one, but wouldn't that get her thinking?).

Answer 8

Chivalry is not dead, yet. Like "Baba Yaga" said, you can thank Feminists for its downfall. They were insulted by men being kind to them, and caring. Now, it's hard to find a man that is kind to or cares for women.

Answer 9

It's up to the knight to determine if it's dead or not. :-) If it's dead, it's no one's fault but the knight... No one can control the knight or the damsel.

CODE OF CHIVALRY:

I'm pretty sure I got this list somewhere else, but I haven't found out where.

~Live to serve King and Country.
~Live to defend Crown and Country and all it holds dear.
~Live one's life so that it is worthy of respect and honor.
~Live for freedom, justice and all that is good.
~Never attack an unarmed foe.
~Never use a weapon on an opponent not equal to the attack.
~Never attack from behind.
~Avoid lying to your fellow man.
~Avoid cheating.
~Avoid torture.
~Obey the law of king, country, and chivalry.
~Administer justice.
~Protect the innocent.
~Exhibit self control.
~Show respect to authority.
~Respect women.
~Exhibit Courage in word and deed.
~Defend the weak and innocent.
~Destroy evil in all of its monstrous forms.
~Crush the monsters that steal our land and rob our people.
~Fight with honor.
~Avenge the wronged.
~Never abandon a friend, ally, or noble cause.
~Fight for the ideals of king, country, and chivalry.
~Die with valor.
~Always keep one's word of honor.
~Always maintain one's principles.
~Never betray a confidence or comrade.
~Avoid deception.
~Respect life and freedom.
~Die with honor.
~Exhibit manners.
~Be polite and attentive.
~Be respectful of host, women, and honor.
~Loyalty to country, King, honor, freedom, and the code of chivalry.
~Loyalty to one's friends and those who lay their trust in thee.
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It's truly not up the "women" to for you to be chivalrish. If you lost it, it's not the fault of the feminist movement.

Chivalry is not about rescuing the "damsel in distress", it's more about how you feel about yourself, and how you treat others...

Being a nobel knight is not about hating, and blaming women for what you lost within yourself... Hating and blaming others reflects your own weakness to be who you're meant to be. :-)

Have a great day.
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Answer 10

I guess it depends from woman to woman if she get treated chivalrous or not.