Chivalry

I found this interesting article on the state of chivalry.

It raises some interesting questions. Why is it that some women feel that chivalry and gallantry are an affront to the equal rights movement? Why is it that some men have not only abandoned chivalrous and gallant behavior because of this, but have abandoned manners and common courtesy as well?

While I'm thinking about it, what have happened to people's manners in general? Last fall I was at a work function which featured a lunch of spaghetti. I was appalled that no one seemed to know how to handle a formal place setting. No one knew where to put their napkin (on your lap!), where to put their butter knife (on your bread plate!), or which fork to use (salad fork for salad, dinner fork for entree). I see manners lacking in the grocery story as well: people leaving their carts in the middle of the aisle, sometimes while they're in another aisle altogether. Has our culture become so selfish that we've forgotten our manners?

So here's to chivalry. Women should learn to accept it as a gesture of respect and not one of condescension or patronization. Men should learn that part of being chivalrous or gallant is doing the right thing, even knowing that not everyone is going to accept their gesture of respect with a gracious thank you.

Mood: Thoughtful
Music: The Beatles: "When I'm Sixty-Four"