Chivalry: the standards of behavior for knights in the middle ages. The code of chivalry emphasized bravery, military skill, generosity in victory, piety, and courtesy to women.
It is heard today by many women that "Chivalry is dead!", yet when we compare the century this phrase was created to now, a lot has changed! In those days, there was no confusion on who was the man and the woman in the relationship. There was a set of unwritten rules embedded within us that went without question and which was carried through a multitude of generations. In this modern era, these rules have been questioned, protested, challenged and almost banished.
It goes without saying that as most living things we evolve, but do we disregard all that we have come from entirely? Having lived this way for so long, was it all based on values we can't bring forward to the modern era?
It is an amazing contrast that being a gentlemen and courteous to a woman used to be the measure of the mans masculinity and appeal, whilst it is now almost seen as "nice guys finish last" and the concept has been swept under the rug. Both men and women are responsible for this change in mindset and lifestyle.
SamanthaK
extract from eBook draft
This is really interesting. I run a youth group in Lara and once a term we split the group up into guys and girls.
ReplyDeleteThe last time we did this, we spent time with the guys really focusing on what "chivalry" is and it was interesting to get their feedback (after having them run round a playground armed with plastic swords trying to rescue the damsel!)
It was really refreshing to see and hear them come to the understanding that sometimes how they treat girls is less than chivalrous and actually quite funny to watch them barrelling out the door to make their apologies to the girls for ways they might have disrespected them.
I think the modern day version of chivalry boils down to respecting one another. Everyone is equal in God's eyes and should be treated as such. This idea of "machismo" is becoming more prevalant among both genders from what I've been experiencing with the youth group and I get a bit saddened by it. I'm an old fashioned kinda bloke I think, and so when I see the young guys (and girls) trying to impress one another by being aggressive or putting others down I feel sad for them. What happened to the good old days of just being pleasant, or showing someone they have value?
I look forward to your "many" more posts on this and maybe one day we might get you to come up to the church and share your thoughts with the group if you feel comfortable doing that. sounds like you have a lot you can teach these younger ones!
Hi Mark,
DeleteThank you so much for your comment! I love feedback and am always looking for other insights on my topics!
I think it is fantastic what you are doing and would be happy to be involved one day to have a chat with your kids.
Please stay tuned and feel free to comment as much as possible =)
Have a wonderful day and keep up the good work!