Had a rather engaging conversation with a friend some time back, who proclaimed that the act of chivalry is sexist. Of which, I adamantly stood to my ground (in my attempt to nullify); infusing in a rather interesting skirmish.
In some ways or another, growing up, I have been inculcated with the gentlemanly act. Gallantly opening doors, offering a helping hand for heavy objects, etc. So my friend said “So by that act of yours, are you telling me that those women are not capable to do it by themselves? Are you telling me they are the weaker gender?”
I felt rather insulted to be honest. Given my moral code of conduct judged and lambasted. He continued on his tirade of reasoning to dispel and stir my beliefs. So yes, the civil world has revolutionized. Women are pushing the envelope in their attempt to fight for equal rights. Of which, I have no issue. For I am a believer in equal rights; regardless of race, gender, age, etc. But to what extend should society compromise its conduct in accordance to behavioral changes? For I know a good number of women who are somewhat feminist, yet have no issues with the act chivalry. Why then are there a handful of women who, without any hint of displeasure, encouragingly coo “So and so is such a gentleman!”? So yes, if you have noticed, my statements are based on opinion and not real statistics. But my experiences/observances are validated and should not be a cause to debunk this debate.
A case in point is a female colleague of mine, A (who admitted on having some feministic tendencies), who loathed yesterday lunch out with me as I cajoled her into a conversation over issues on politics and sexism (to which I acquiesced her into agreeing with my view, I’m draconian that way). She agrees that the act of chivalry is sexist but has no issues to the act itself, in fact condoning it. (I shall not dwell on the fact that she would vote for a female president; on grounds of capability and that the candidate is female). So now, a somewhat feminist, who thinks that a gentleman is sexist, yet permitting the act. Contradicting no?
So my take is, the act of chivalry is not sexist, so long as one does not do it on a notion that women are incapable of carrying out the action by themselves. Some moral conduct need not change due to a cause of revolution. For revolution itself, has caused what used to be black and white, turn grey. In the mean time, I shall continue opening the doors to the women in the world. Brand me a sexist. So be it.
