In the middle ages, the knights vowed to maintain a code of chivalry that bound them to, not only be valiant fighters, but also to honor and respect women.
Today many women are looking for a knight in shining armor that will rescue and defend them from all harm. But is there such a thing?
Where are these iron-clad men on white horses? I believe they've gone the way of the dodo or perhaps they're more comparable to Santa Clause - a fairy tale told to us as children only to be discovered as a lie when we become adults.
You may be asking, "Doesn't this chick usually write politically charged pieces?" Of course the answer is yes, but recent events and observations have inspired a different topic for this week.
The other night my roommates and I were out on our balcony enjoying the warm weather when we became victims of the Fort Sanders Flasher. I don't know who this dude is, but this is the third time he has come by this year.
Where are these iron-clad men on white horses? He's not your typical flasher; he takes it to a whole new level of perversion.
So, one of my roommates begins to call the cops and another runs to our male neighbor's apartment. We told him briefly what happened and his response was, "And this is my problem how?"
No one expected him to attempt to run and beat the guy up, but he could've at least pretended to care. We just wanted him to stand there for a second to make sure the pervert didn't race up the stairs to our apartment or something.
Then, yesterday I was going to class in Humanities and I see a woman at the other end of the hallway struggling to hold all of her papers and books while simultaneously trying to open the door. This guy walks right past her and didn't even ask if she needed help.
C'mon guys. Girls don't expect you to get up every time they enter or exit a room or take off your ball cap in their presence, but some common decency and politeness should be utilized.
So next time you see a damsel in distress, lend her hand. She doesn't expect you to be Superman, but she does expect you to have some manners.
Comments
Voice of Reason commented, on April 12, 2008 at 4:09 p.m.:
I'll agree that guys need to be more helpful, but that extends to all people as well. Chivalry died when the women's movement picked up steam in the 60s and 70s. If women want to be treated equally, that means equally in every aspect. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
I'm not defending the guy neighbor. He was an a$shole.
Brittney commented, on April 12, 2008 at 11:19 p.m.:
I completely agree... in fact I wrote a blog about this same subject myself some weeks ago, or perhaps a month. Here's the URL: http://brittneymoore.wordpress.com/
Great article!
georgia commented, on April 13, 2008 at 8:52 p.m.:
I agree and completely understand; I have a couple of "southern gentlemen" neighbors who certainly turn tail the moment they're needed. On the other hand, I have a new neighbor who helped me carry my luggage up the stairs. I was so shocked that I couldn't stop thanking him.
Jessica commented, on April 14, 2008 at 10:37 p.m.:
I have to disagree. I've had plenty of guys hold doors open for me and be generally polite up here. I don't think that chivalry is dead, it's just not a common as it used to be. I agree with the first commenter that everyone should help each other... it's more of a courtesy thing than a chivalry thing.
Also, your neighbor is a total jerk.
kstaff commented, on April 15, 2008 at 10:39 a.m.:
'Chivalry died when the women's movement picked up steam in the 60s and 70s. If women want to be treated equally, that means equally in every aspect. You can't have your cake and eat it too."
Amen.
Anonymous commented, on April 15, 2008 at 4:13 p.m.:
Just because I want equal pay for equal work, does not mean that I don't want a door held open for me on occasion.
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