"What is a man but chivalrous?" a phrase as common as the air breathed by our colonial ancestors. Unfortunately, just like the polluted air we are subjected to in the 21st century, the above phrase has become tarnished and has had its share of rust and decay. Chivalry, a trait considered the essential element in the metamorphosis of a man from a boy. A practice that used to be synonymous with education and education has quickly become the epicenter of feminist sentiments spreading across the planet. Extending its infernal wings deep into the patriarchal society, giving up with it not only unjust and unnecessary practices but also the primary essence of manhood and replacing it with something that lacks basic courtesy and respect towards our better half. The recent events that have catapulted women's voices into all spheres of life have been well gestured and warmly welcomed by everyone, and especially by me, however, these sentiments have taken a turn for the worse due to some misguided concepts and thoughts. For example, the idea that chivalrous men are simply jazzed-up, imaginative boys raised in public school has become very common. These falsely motivated ideas have eradicated and blurred the line between civilized and uncivilized societies. Involving not only imitators but also authentic ones. For decades these gestures have been the roots of our standards. For better or worse, from the times of the Knights Templar to the East India Company, decency sprinkled with chivalry has emitted an aura that has resonated in the hearts of women and the sands of time. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Opening the door for a woman, exchanging paths if a man walks behind a woman he doesn't know, saving the last morsel of food, walking on the outside of a sidewalk, offering his jacket on cold days. Today, these traits that primarily defined a well-groomed man are considered an offensive gesture towards women and seen as a challenge towards the MeToo movement, a huge global phenomenon, which has helped many women find their voice in a society patriarchal calling out sexual predators and mental tormentors in the workplace. In my opinion, a woman is actually capable of running a company well and serving on the board of directors, this entails no special requirements on her part and no special treatment on the part of men. However, opening the door, standing up as a courtesy as she sits down, offering her water, bringing an extra handkerchief is simple basic courtesy. Nothing more and certainly nothing less. When these special privileges are actually granted, rather than feeling a rush of pleasure, they are rather perceived as a sign of oppression and dependence of one gender on the other. In our longing and desire to improve our society, to rebuild it, to free ourselves from the bondage of the chains that hold us back, we have blurred the line between what is acceptable and what is not. We are moving towards a society deprived of mutual respect, gratitude and consensus, which no longer feels civilized. All the tasks that once distinguished an educated man from an uneducated man are no longer relevant. Chivalry has become the focus of much hatred in recent decades. On the contrary, advocating chivalry has led me to many arguments with my so-called feminist friends. Faithfully, they argue that chivalry is a threat to gender equality. It originated in medieval times, when the position of women was very submissive. They had to wear tight corsets, skirtsheavy shoes and stiff shoes and were usually very dependent on the opposite sex to carry out simple tasks. Chivalry at that time was a male chauvinistic act to establish dominance and reinforce the idea that women are too weak and dependent, to perform simple tasks such as opening doors. Alas! I wonder, even in the age of 21st century "humankind" are we not employing drivers. Aren't they the ones we entrust with tasks like opening doors and taking us around? “Small tasks” they say, every decent family in India employs one or the other form of domestic help, or at least tries to, to complete these same “small tasks”. Trying to go further and grasp this highly contrasting picture that these hypocrites paint so carelessly leads me to two conclusions. Either we, those who employ them, are inferior and subordinate to them and are dominated by them or, coming to a more rational approach, our duties and tasks triumph over these mundane everyday details. This is exactly what I advocate: instead of debating these trivial issues, we need to come together to see the bigger picture and capture Moby Dick. My friends discuss how they are financially, emotionally and physically independent and don't have to rely on a man to pay for them, and so chivalry is very outdated in this generation, where women and men both fight for equal rights. It not only makes women submissive and seem dependent, but at the same time gives men a burden of additional responsibility, which they did not sign up for. It's an easy way to keep the female gender dependent on the male gender and make sure the patriarchy stays in place. For decades, chivalrous men have been the standard-bearers of civilization and have represented what real men should do. A true gentleman uses his stature to not only be chivalrous towards women but also encourages people around him to be kind and gentle to our better halves. It works as a guide for every kid with what to do and what not to do for the rest of his life. For me, Chivalry is a way of using my privilege to protect and respect women at the same time while also living by the fact that they definitely have the right to make decisions for themselves. Why the car door gesture should be seen as a sign of dependence, why can't it be seen as a sign of support - "that no matter the decision, my lady, I stand by you and support you, no matter what happens “ Chivalry simply helps we reinforce the idea, through daily acts for all the things women do, accepting it wholeheartedly is what we simply desire. Accepting something isn't that difficult, right? Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay I even came across a topic that branded me a coward for not having the courage to accept change and move forward. It has been said that it is weak and immoral of me to resist change because change is the only constant. I agree wholeheartedly, yes, change is necessary and change is inevitable, but I believe it takes much more strength to accept flaws and try to improve them. Rather than scraping something off completely and washing your hands of it. In my honest opinion, this is exactly what cowards would do, cancel something because they are too naive to raise their voice and challenge traditions. This is where I disagree, I believe in this tradition but I strive to make it better and in line with 21st century views because I do not claim or suggest that chivalry in its medieval form is perfect and that.