Is Chivalry sexist?

@MH4444 (2161)
United States
August 5, 2008 11:04am CST
I was reading a post today that talked about chivalry. I started thinking about some female friends of mine that talked about that as being sexist. I started this discussion because I do not want to rabbit trail the other discussion. So, here is the question: Do you think that chivalry is sexist? Why? I am still considering what I think.
2 people like this
4 responses
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
6 Aug 08
Hi MH, I don't think chivalry is sexist. I feel that we are living in a world where people have lost respect for one another. We especially see this in our children. Where do the children learn this disrepect? Obviously from those around them. Chivalry has nearly been wiped out of our culture. It used to be appreciated. Now it is mocked. We need more kindness, respect and giving. We need to remind ourselves and our children the value of respect. Appreciate every little kindness shown to us. Maybe then our children will have a chance again. leenie
@MH4444 (2161)
• United States
6 Aug 08
I couldn't agree more myself. Well said. Let's hope that the world can improve. I want the modern life; but not the bad attitudes, and rude behavior.
@fiona08 (454)
• United States
5 Aug 08
Chivalry is not sexist. It is good to treat each other with kindness and respect. Chivalry is just men treating women with kindness and respect. Women find ways to show their respect and acts of kindness to men as well. Being sexist comes in to play when you try to limit someone because of their gender. When you take away from someone else's rights because of their gender you are sexist, not when you go out of your way to be friendly, polite, kind, etc.
1 person likes this
@MH4444 (2161)
• United States
5 Aug 08
That's also a great response as it clarifies what I am starting to see here: Chivalry can be sexist if it does not put a woman at the equal to a man. It is brilliant, however, if it is respectful of her attentions towards him. There you go!
@gewcew23 (8007)
• United States
5 Aug 08
How can chivalry be sexist, I love the fact that my husband is my knight in shining armour. I wanted to be his wife for the reason that he treated me with the respect I deserved, and did not treat me like trash. If some women want to be treated like trash well good for them but not me. I like it when my husband opens the door for me. I like it when he pulls the seat out for me. I like it when he will not let me pick heavy stuff up. Sure I could open the door for myself, I could pull the seat out for myself, and I could pick up some of the thing he says is too heavy for me, but why?
• United States
5 Aug 08
There were 2 types of people remembered in the middle ages. The chivalrous knight and those who raped and pillaged. In choosing between the 2 I choose the first. In todays world, though you see both those type of men. Although the crimes may not be so violent as they once were they still hurt just as bad. Chivalry: A gallant or distinguished gentleman. My wife is a beautiful woman and I am honored to have her as my wife. She is worthy of every accomodation I can give her. Whether that is opening a door, walking on the sidewalk with you closest to the street. Or perhaps simply boasting about her to your friends even when she is not around. To say things that she will never hear but is always building her up. To never lay a hand on her in anger and to reminder her again and again how wonderful she is and how lucky you are to be her husband. To gaurd her when she is attacked and whach out for her when she is in danger. To give her the security that no mater what you will be there for her. Does that mean as a husband you should be willing to sacrifice everything for her? YES! She is the bride of your youth and the helpmate that God has given you. So to answer your question: No it is not. It is a sign of strength on your part as a man. And it is a sign of honor for your wife to be held in such high esteem.
1 person likes this