2008 Woodie Awards
The Not-so-outdated Art of Respect
Scott McConnel
Issue date: 2/15/06 Section: Opinion
In today's melting pot society-which promotes the blurring and blending of cultures and genders-the promotion of equality, masked under the headlines of political correctness, while logical and fair, has shifted the values of a modern-dynamic society away from such important standards as societal roles and respect. Under the premise of equal treatment one such traditional manifestation of respect has been stripped of its intended meaning and worth: chivalry.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word "chivalrous" as "marked by honor, generosity, and courtesy" or "marked by gracious courtesy and high-minded consideration especially to women." There are those who call chivalry out-dated and unnecessary. To those people I say: enjoy the single life, for acting chivalrously is a necessity in all relationships as a demonstration of caring and respect through honor, generosity, and courtesy.
For some, chivalry off-sets gender equality by implicitly elevating the one performing the act to a higher stature by an obscure misinterpretation embedded within the action: "I am more able to do this (action) than you, therefore I should and am obligated to act." However, I would argue that unless someone is taking another out on a pity date, the gentleman is far more interested in the blossoming of a potential relationship than self-satisfaction. This idea of the promotion of attachment then becomes the primary motivator for successive actions to demonstrate respect, caring, honor, and courtesy during dates and even everyday encounters. By performing these acts the other person in the relationship will most likely be flattered and think more highly of the actor, or at least know that they are receiving high-minded consideration. In this aspect it may be concluded that acting chivalrously in fact furthers the emotional progress of a relationship.Here's how:
Take for example a stereotypical beginning to a relationship: Boy meets girl. Boy likes girl, girl likes boy. Boy asks girl out on a date and girl accepts. The first date is going exceedingly well, the two connect famously, and the boy wants to demonstrate to the girl that he cares for her. How does he do this? On the way to dinner the boy opens the door for his date. At the end of the meal the boy offers to pay.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word "chivalrous" as "marked by honor, generosity, and courtesy" or "marked by gracious courtesy and high-minded consideration especially to women." There are those who call chivalry out-dated and unnecessary. To those people I say: enjoy the single life, for acting chivalrously is a necessity in all relationships as a demonstration of caring and respect through honor, generosity, and courtesy.
For some, chivalry off-sets gender equality by implicitly elevating the one performing the act to a higher stature by an obscure misinterpretation embedded within the action: "I am more able to do this (action) than you, therefore I should and am obligated to act." However, I would argue that unless someone is taking another out on a pity date, the gentleman is far more interested in the blossoming of a potential relationship than self-satisfaction. This idea of the promotion of attachment then becomes the primary motivator for successive actions to demonstrate respect, caring, honor, and courtesy during dates and even everyday encounters. By performing these acts the other person in the relationship will most likely be flattered and think more highly of the actor, or at least know that they are receiving high-minded consideration. In this aspect it may be concluded that acting chivalrously in fact furthers the emotional progress of a relationship.Here's how:
Take for example a stereotypical beginning to a relationship: Boy meets girl. Boy likes girl, girl likes boy. Boy asks girl out on a date and girl accepts. The first date is going exceedingly well, the two connect famously, and the boy wants to demonstrate to the girl that he cares for her. How does he do this? On the way to dinner the boy opens the door for his date. At the end of the meal the boy offers to pay.