The Panther

This week we found ourselves divided at The Panther as a heated debate ensued about chivalry and why it's dying. Men against women, the issues in our debate are a microcosm of what's affecting our society today.

It's true that chivalrous men still exist in society; we're not denying this. There are men who open the door when they see a lady. There are men who pick up the tab when they take a woman out on a date. There are even men who'll run out into the rain to get the car while a woman stands comfortable and dry within the security of a building. They do exist, but it seems that their numbers are dwindling.

So the question is, who's responsible for the lack of chivalry? Is it the fault of women, who often take it for granted, abuse it, ignore it or become offended by it? Or is it the fault of men, who anticipate any of these reactions and simply choose to no longer make the effort?

While we agree that women's attitudes may be an obstacle (there are some women who don't appreciate a courteous gesture), attitude certainly isn't the only factor. In defense of women, it's fair to say that what is sometimes mistaken for attitude is simply apprehension and fear of ulterior motives. Many women hold misconceived perceptions of what a man's true intentions are. They ask themselves, why is he being so courteous? Could it be that he expects something in return?

It's this same apprehension that drives a woman to split the check on a date. "50/50, you don't owe me and I don't owe you." It is this apprehension that drives a woman to question whether a man is truly approaching her, or only her assets. In defense of men, when a man ceases to be courteous women often consider this disrespectful. We are left wondering, whose responsibility is it in our society to raise the level of mutual respect for one another?

The Panther staff remains divided on the issue. While there isn't a concrete answer to the original question of who's responsible for chivalry's demise, there is a solution to help preserve it. What we're suggesting is that those chivalrous men who still exist, please continue to open doors, please continue to treat women with respect and for the women who appreciate it, express it.

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