The Downfall of Women and the Need for Modern Chivalry

Chivalry is dead. No, not dead; chivalry is suffering… in agony. But why? Why is such a revered concept so ill-practiced? It all has to do with the downfall of women, and why chivalry is more important today than it has ever been.

Chivalry was developed in the medieval period as the code of conduct lived by the noble of that time. Chivalry was a term used to sum up the ideal qualifications of a knight; these ideals involved being virtuous, truthful, loyal, courteous to others, helpers of women, supporters of justice, and defenders of the weak. In addition to these traits, knights studied the art of war and were required to tactfully wield weapons and skillfully ride a horse.

For centuries after, women would romanticize the prospect of a prince charming coming to save her princess-self… until the late 1960’s. As the feminist movement began, women stood up and told men their place wasn’t in the home, raising children and cooking dinner. Feminists demanded that they be given equal opportunities in all workplaces, and that men take on their fair share of household and family duties. As time passed, progression of the feminist ideals went as far to declare that men were, in many cases, unwanted and unnecessary. In today’s world, women may tell themselves and each other that they don't need a man. They can even start a family on their own thanks to IVF techniques.

Unfortunately, the feminist movement has vastly emasculated men. Males are too willing to step aside and slack their duty of providing for their families, they all too often impregnate women and deny their children, and forfeit their responsibility of being the spiritual and emotional heads of their households. In abdicating their responsibilities, we have rampant out of wedlock babies and more women are in college than men.

But while women have proved that they can “do it all,” should they? Many argue that they shouldn’t, and evolutionary psychologists are finding that women have always been, and will likely always be, dependent on men. Not financially, or even biologically, but emotionally. Feminists argue that the woman has finally freed herself from a dependency on a man, but the reality is that women have deeply rooted primal instincts to look for men that are more successful than them, better protectors than them, and that can easily provide for them and their children.In addition, it is human nature to want to be loved, appreciated, and treated with respect. Men and women alike prefer honest and loyal partners that they can develop lasting relationships with. The feminist movement even proclaimed that, they just manipulated the meaning and outcome of those desires.

An additional problem that arises today is women complaining that men don’t do enough. Is it not hypocritical that women spent decades protesting their supposed inequality to men, and when they have finally shed their proverbial shackles, then to accuse men for slacking their duties as husbands and fathers? Feminists, you cannot have your cake and eat it too.

Men and women are built differently for a reason. Feminists need to let go of their haughty attitudes and expectations and realize that men have a job. Furthermore, men need the support of women to do their job well. That said, men need to step up to the plate and realize that not all women are feminists, and most women need men to be chivalrous before there will be any kind of success with marriages and families within the home.

Now, it’s unrealistic, very cheesy, medieval, and somewhat illegal to expect men to kill anyone who threatens you as they gallop towards you on a handsome horse before carrying you off into the sunset. In fact, chivalry at that time was reserved as a standard for the most noble, and most women today are not as lucky as to marry a duke or prince.

But it is irrefutable that there is a need for a modern kind of chivalry. In a world where infidelity is ever-increasing, dishonesty is accepted, injustice is rationalized, and scandal is celebrated, we need to encourage a kind of chivalry that aids and improves the lives of men and women alike. The gender role barrier is crumbling, but this doesn’t mean chivalrous courtesy should be fading as well. Men shouldn’t be expected to know how to ride a horse and carry a weapon, but the common man should be being virtuous, truthful, loyal, courteous to others, helpers of women, supporters of justice, and defenders of the weak.

Kindness always follows a circle. When women are courteous and honest with men, men will be kind and faithful in return. The vehement feminism of women and slacker attitudes of men break that circle and create a downward spiral of distaste, anger, and immorality.

Women, it’s time to let go of grudges. You have the power to do whatever you want, and the freedom to pursue whatever path you choose. For the success and happiness of the family, a good partnership with men is vital.

Men, forget the oppression of feminists. Women need you to step up and lead. You have the potential to be far more than you are, and women are there to support and love you along the way. Your figurehead is integral in your marriages and as an example to your children. Chivalry is a necessity.