For as long as human beings have existed, so has sexism. And one of the earliest vestiges of this gendered treatment - of women in particular - is chivalry. Chivalry (comes from the French word chevalerie, meaning cavalry), was originally a noble set of ideas that dictated how a knight should behave. Such guidance encouraged these heroic men to become servants of others; offering assistance, help, and protection when appropriate, to those who might need it. Chivalry also ratified good manners, dignity, and the highest respect of others. Over time, such ideas descended down from literal knights in shining armour; to be adopted by all good men, to encourage them to act with similar dignity too, to preserve good manners and yes, promote servitude of women. And yet, whenever I see acts of chivalry discussed; it is so often with an entitled sneer, and mutterings of ‘misogyny’, or a rather backward concept of ‘benevolent sexism’. That’s right. The oppressive patriarchy is opening doors, hanging up coats, holding umbrellas, and it’s really got to stop. So I ask, what is chivalry, and how do you see it? Is it truly benevolent acts of misogyny, that infantilise women; are they antiquated and outdated acts of male servitude… Or are they… well.. just basic good manners, after all? What do you think? ~ Images by Kiwi Hug, Kate Kasiutich, Craig Whitehead, Gradienta, and Tim Mossholder.

2023-09-27