The Lady Isn't a Tramp: Chivalry isn't dead

The Lady Isn't a Tramp
Chivalry isn't dead
Justin Hartfield

Contrary to popular belief, chivalry isn't dead. It might be dying, but it ain't dead yet.

In this era of political correctness and feminism, chivalry (which was once considered a most noble aim of man) is now seen as an oppressive relic of male dominance. When it was once considered outright rude to fail to open a door for a female, it is now the societal norm. When it was once the standard for the men to lead, it is now common to see a group of females flocking into a venue with boyfriends following clumsily in-tow. This is the direction of present day Western society. The distinctions between male and female have been replaced by the concept of an androgynous, but equal being.

The feminists abhor chivalry. They claim that chivalry gives women preferential treatment because they are 'weaker' than the male, and since the sexes are equal they do not need such careful handling. To the feminists, chivalry is just another shackle which must be broken in order for females to gain absolute equality. Interestingly enough, radio talk show host Tom Leykis would agree.

Mr. Leykis often has insightful advice concerning dating and relationships on his daily radio broadcast The Tom Leykis Show. There are a growing number of young males who are taking Mr. Leykis's, advice and are refusing to lavish women with money and dates just because they have female sex organs. To be sure, this is a male empowerment movement and for the most part, a positive one. The crux of his argument is as follows: men should say "no" to superficial (or "gold-digging" per Leykis) behavior from their dates and are entitled to a woman who likes them and not their bank statement.

In congruence with this ideal, Mr. Leykis tells his millions of young male listeners that chivalry has no place in a relationship. Mr. Leykis sees chivalry as a form of supplication. He reasons that a male opening a car door for a female is a subtle way of begging. By doing something that he would never do for another male, he is essence putting on a show for a woman in hopes of gaining sex as his reward. Mr. Leykis plays into the feminist lie that women want to be treated equally as men, calling the feminists out on their bluff.

Obviously, the underlying values expressed through chivalry can be interpreted in a variety of different ways. However, the feminists and Mr. Leykis both arrive at the same conclusion, namely that the abolition of chivalry would benefit society.

While I understand the perspective of Mr. Leykis, attempting to teach young males to not be used by women and the legal system which is undoubtedly in their favor, I disagree with him (and the feminists) when it comes to the notion of chivalry.

When performed in a frame of power, and not of supplication, chivalry can be an incredibly powerful tool in unlocking the passion and romance of your partner. When your date knows that even though you are not required to be chivalrous, but you choose to be so anyway for her benefit, she is filled with loving emotions.

Chivalry is not demeaning toward women. In fact, it is just the opposite. The man is placing her on the proverbial pedestal, elevating her from the annoyances and stresses which come with leading. All she is asked to do is trust in her partner and follow his lead.

Chivalry is a gift which only a man can give to a woman. It speaks to the female fantasy of complete surrender in sexual ecstasy. By always taking the lead when the opportunity arises, the man puts his pleasure second to that of his partner. This kind of gift is not something which can be bought, and thus it is infinitely more profound than flowers and a card. Unfortunately, many women will never know the pleasures derived from this sort of throwback gentleman. Ironically, they only have themselves to blame. The feminists' blind march toward absolute equality is leaving in its wake time-honored customs. Equality before the law is one thing, but equality in relationships is another. Let's give men the chance to enjoy catering to their women again, before its too late.