Equality. This word has been a centerpiece of sorts—a symbol, if you will—of dozens of civil rights movements in dozens of lands observed by thousands of people. And in this modern world one is hard-pressed to find a man or woman that disagrees with the idea. Nearly every great nation is based at least in some part on equality.

We know, however, from our history books that it has not always been so. This focus on equality has erupted and gained power only during the last century or so. And it is due to this that the idea of chivalry has dwindled. 

What is chivalry? Many experts on the subject prefer long-winded, seemingly sophisticated explanations that take into account the complete history of the word itself and its use in centuries past. This deep research and analysis, however, is unneeded. When the common man or woman today refers to chivalry, it is almost always with respect to the more social aspects of the word’s meaning. To the gentlemanliness of modern men when dealing with a lady. 

In these times, with all their momentous changes and new ideas, with equality being stressed as it is, could it be that chivalry has outlived its usefulness? Has the mere idea become an insult to the modern woman?

Women have worked very hard to achieve their status in society. Many women take pride in the fact that they have come so far in a world that was once—some argue that it still is—very male-centric. And with this pride comes an aversion to what they perceive as a man’s ‘charity’. 

When analyzed logically the issue is really quite simple. Does a man, by tipping his hat and opening the door for a beautiful woman in fact intend to belittle her gender’s accomplishments and standing in society? Does this signify that a woman can not or perhaps even should not be trusted with the responsibility of opening a door for herself, let alone running corporate empires or running for political office? Is this man indeed showing contempt—even subconsciously—for the woman through this chivalrous act? Or, is he but showing respect for the woman, the opening of the door truly innocuous as it may seem?

The answer to this question lies with the woman. How does she feel? If she feels this act of what some may call gallantry is a simple, courteous display on the part of the man, than it is nothing but. If she feels, though, that this is disrespectful to not only her but to her entire gender then indeed it is, regardless of intent. 

And so it is with all chivalrous acts. 

Gallant, chivalrous, a gentleman of parts. Call it what you will. An open display of this attitude can be seen as disrespectful. Is it so to all? No, definitely not. But one must use discretion when dealing in this matter, as it is in fact offensive to many women of our modern era.