So-Called Gentleman (A)

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/11/10/tf.chivalrous.moves.creepy/index.html

8 So-Called ‘Chivalrous’ Moves That Creep Us Out is a humorous article on CNN that sheds light on Kate Torgovnick, The Frisky’s opinion of how a man should treat a lady. Most of the signs listed of gentleman behavior used to be considered sweet and gallant, but now they appear outdated and a little awkward. Some of these once in-style gestures show that women are helpless and need their man to perform the most simple of tasks such as pulling out my chair, or putting on my jacket. It is not necessary to do everything for me in that I am not able to speak for myself and be independent. Things like ordering my meal for me or asking my dad for my hand in marriage are unacceptable. It conveys that I have no say or control over what goes on in this relationship and what happens in my life. Other so-called ‘chivalrous’ moves take the fun out of a relationship, like letting me win at a game. What is the point of doing that? To make me feel special and show that I am incapable of winning at a trivial game of scrabble or monopoly without your help? It is almost an insult. It is alright to have a little friendly competition with your boyfriend because it keeps the youth and the friendship alive in your relationship. These gestures create inequality between a man and a woman; if the man pays for dinner and the tip then I will not have anything to contribute to the date or meal. One person will be doing all the work when it should actually be a 50/50 compromise. I do not recommend any man performing these outdated once gentlemanly acts for their loved one.


Torgovnick, Kate, The Frisky. 8 so-called 'chivalrous' moves that creep us out. CNN Living. 2009. Web. 10 Nov. 2009