by maddie rose

Created on: August 24, 2008   Last Updated: September 16, 2008

Is chivalry dead?

Is chivalry dead? "No mam, it is alive and well here in the Southern states." This is where anyone can come and find genuine respect to women, and has been for many years. This is a tradition Southerners are most proud of. It is tradition of many generations handed down through history. Families would speak of a time, years, decades ago, when someone did not show chivalry to a woman, and it was an insult. That person who is accused, may not still be living after all the years passed but their name continues in tall tales of un- Southern behavior and not to mention, unacceptable behavior.

Men, young, or old, are taught to respect women at all times. The words "mam", is as important as "sir", is respected to the older males. Men in the South, never out grow this idea. It is part of being a Southern born male and is always expected as a gentleman.

Doors open at stores or cars because men wait and hold it open. It is automatic for the gentleman to look behind him. Should he see a woman approaching the door, he would go out of his way, to show respect and open the doorway for her. This makes no difference how old she is, her image and looks, she is a lady and is treated as so.

I use to take my son, at times when he was small, to a barbershop. I walk into a world of men. They see me approach, open the door and as I sit down, I find it is suddenly quiet. Whatever was discussed is now shut and put away, a mother is in the room, and small talk of the weather occurs until we leave.

Southern chivalry will include a heavy downpour, not expected by anyone. A woman waiting for a break in the rain before running out to the car. It is not unusual for a man to offer an umbrella for her. In return, she delivers it back at the entrance from the safety of her rolled down window and with pleasure.

Here in the South, random acts of kindness go on often. To be in along line for one cup of coffee, only for the man next to you to say to the cashier, "Her's is onme." Then he disappears. Never bothering anyone, just being kind.
In a room to wait, and no seating left, a lady would be offered a seat. It may even be from one elderly man, who would be insulted if refused his trying to be the gentleman he was raised to be.

Chivalry is not dead. If you cannot find it, perhaps, you are only in the wrong place. I see it everyday. And our son is taught the same thing. I think it is a fine show of respect to women, to go out of your way to help, or do something nice for no reason at all.

Chivalry can almost seem the last of the romance of the South. Women are very lucky to experience this through the years and a shame if you have not had the experience.

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