An opened door, a pulled out chair, a polite “How are you doing,” is defined as chivalry,and beyond popular belief it can be displayed by a man or woman.Most women would say that in the 21st century chivalry is dead, but is it? Most Prairie View men don’t think so, and most say if it is, women killed it. How can it be that those who wish to receive chivalry so much are the very ones who killed it?
One Prairie View man stated, “Chivalry and manners go hand in hand. The men aren’t chivalrous because the women are rude.” He went on to say, “When I do open a door for a lady she just walks through without acknowledging me.”
Are the women of Prairie View respecting themselves enough to deserve gentlemen? If a woman accepts a man speaking to her without respect, maybe she is getting what she wants. Or, is being chivalrous a trait that should go against typical behavior?
Dictionary.com describes chivalry as: the qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women. Therefore, chivalry is also how a young man can show he respects himself. Although it is an old custom, what are other reasons modern men are less chivalrous than men of the past?
A lot of the upbringing a man receives can determine how he treats a woman. If a young man sees male figures treating women without respect, then chances are that he will mimic the incorrect behavior. One Prairie View man says, “I learned to be a gentleman from church.” The skill of being a gentleman is something that must be taught.
As a student body, both men and women must work to respect ourselves and one another. The tradition of chivalry goes with the pride of a HBCU. Furthermore, as young adults we are in charge of training ourselves so we are portrayed as the educated people we are.