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redheadedfemmeI've always been uneasy about chivalrous behavior. My dictionary defines it as "the qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women." Now, who wouldn't want to display qualities like that?
The kicker comes when you realize "knighthood" means the Middle Ages, when women were property and chattel.
Personally, I've always been impatient with men trying to do things for me. Opening car doors, pulling out chairs, etc. I keep thinking, "I can do that myself, idiot." Sometimes I would even say so (with or without the "idiot"). But I had no concrete evidence for this attitude, just a general feeling of irritation towards the would-be knight.
Today, however, this month's copy of Shape magazine arrived. A small sidebar article, written by Jacqueline Stenson, points out recent research on the topic conducted at the University of Michigan. Among the findings:
"The most chivalrous college men tend to believe that women are less competent than men and less suited to positions of authority.
A man who believes a woman cannot take care of herself may be inclined to protect and provide for her--to behave chivalrously, in other words. The same man would be reluctant to appoint a woman to a position of power.
When it comes right down to it, some say, chivalry is a type of 'benevolent sexism.' "
Of course, no sexism is benevolent. Sexism is an insiduous leech, sucking away women's strength and will under the guise of 'protection' and 'kindness.' Excuse me, but that kind of kindness I can do without.
So: no more Knights of the Round Table for me. Send them back to the Dark Ages where they belong.
The kicker comes when you realize "knighthood" means the Middle Ages, when women were property and chattel.
Personally, I've always been impatient with men trying to do things for me. Opening car doors, pulling out chairs, etc. I keep thinking, "I can do that myself, idiot." Sometimes I would even say so (with or without the "idiot"). But I had no concrete evidence for this attitude, just a general feeling of irritation towards the would-be knight.
Today, however, this month's copy of Shape magazine arrived. A small sidebar article, written by Jacqueline Stenson, points out recent research on the topic conducted at the University of Michigan. Among the findings:
"The most chivalrous college men tend to believe that women are less competent than men and less suited to positions of authority.
A man who believes a woman cannot take care of herself may be inclined to protect and provide for her--to behave chivalrously, in other words. The same man would be reluctant to appoint a woman to a position of power.
When it comes right down to it, some say, chivalry is a type of 'benevolent sexism.' "
Of course, no sexism is benevolent. Sexism is an insiduous leech, sucking away women's strength and will under the guise of 'protection' and 'kindness.' Excuse me, but that kind of kindness I can do without.
So: no more Knights of the Round Table for me. Send them back to the Dark Ages where they belong.
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