and very welcomed as far as I am concerned. My husband opens doors and has learned to be more chivalrous as time has gone on. I have absolutely no problem with there being distinctions between the sexes and with polite gestures based on antiquated notions.
Of course, a lot of chivalry was originally based upon the idea that a woman was incapable of walking without an elbow to steady her, or that she wasn't strong enough to get a door herself. And so what? Even though we know these notions are untrue (well, perhaps that depends on the shoes!), it is still polite to make the gestures that imply that a man can take care of a woman, even if she needs no taking care of!
I have visited the American south often, and I am always amazed at how chivalry is alive and well there, even towards strangers. I once visited New Orleans while obviously pregnant, and men gave up their trolley seats, ran to hold an umbrella over my head as I chased from one awning to another in the rain and so on. I was dumbfounded that men who didn't know me from Eve would be so gallant as to try to protect me. It was refreshing, and I am teaching my own boys the niceties that are expected of them as men, too.
Comment Reply
and very welcomed as far as I am concerned. My husband opens doors and has learned to be more chivalrous as time has gone on. I have absolutely no problem with there being distinctions between the sexes and with polite gestures based on antiquated notions.
Of course, a lot of chivalry was originally based upon the idea that a woman was incapable of walking without an elbow to steady her, or that she wasn't strong enough to get a door herself. And so what? Even though we know these notions are untrue (well, perhaps that depends on the shoes!), it is still polite to make the gestures that imply that a man can take care of a woman, even if she needs no taking care of!
I have visited the American south often, and I am always amazed at how chivalry is alive and well there, even towards strangers. I once visited New Orleans while obviously pregnant, and men gave up their trolley seats, ran to hold an umbrella over my head as I chased from one awning to another in the rain and so on. I was dumbfounded that men who didn't know me from Eve would be so gallant as to try to protect me. It was refreshing, and I am teaching my own boys the niceties that are expected of them as men, too.
April 30, 2008 - 6:36pmThis Comment
Reply