by Bob Schmidt

Created on: March 05, 2007   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

Chivalry is indeed an ancient concept whose history is not understood in our times. One Webster's definition is; a group of knights or gallant gentlemen. Knights and gentlemen are probably just about as rare as Ladies to whom one might demonstrate this behavior.

This question speaks to a phenomena that is a product of our social evolution, a change in traditional values. I was raised to believe that being a gentleman was a virtue all men should possess in order to gain the favor of a lady. Unfortunately, such virtues are infrequently acknowledged by the fairer gender.

As women have sought and received their "liberation", they have also created a "cause and effect" chain reaction leading to a reduced desire among men to honor them in traditional fashion. The very inspiration of a soft and vulnerable female to cause chivalrous action is lost with today's women who act anything but appreciative of such actions.

I do not think that chivalry is totally gone with the wind, because women have the winning hand on this subject. If women want chivalry, and reward it, gentlemen will do exactly what they demand. It has always been so, because men are not prepared to live a life devoid of women. Ladies, sound the alarm of a damsel in distress, and I am sure that your knight in shining armor will gallantly rescue you!

Learn more about this author, Bob Schmidt.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.