It appears that chivalry is no longer working. It seems to be on holiday and in some places,
on life support or maybe, even dead! As
we celebrate the Labor Day weekend, I am adamant about putting chivalry back to
work!
Labor Day is a holiday that was created as a
result of a labor movement in 1885. By 1894 it was adopted as law and
legislated as a national holiday. The purpose
of Labor Day is to celebrate social
and economic accomplishments of American workers who contribute to this nation
by supporting its economic growth. The holiday commemorates the
advancement of our country's pride, power and prosperity.
I would have to say, though we have grown leaps and bounds in
so many areas, we seemed to have regressed in so many others. We seem to have gotten so caught up in
prospering economically that we have lost some of the simple things that make
life meaningful. Social justice, race
relations, financial equality are ideals that have proven to be major setbacks
but for me, another of those ideals is chivalry.
Though it may not seem important to many, it is of grave
importance to me. It speaks to how, as a
people, we have lost a basic caring for one another. There is a difference in caring about me and caring
for me. Caring about me is comparable
to having empathy, a minimal amount of thought and feeling might accompany it,
but it requires no further action. However,
caring for me necessitates action. Caring for me requires you not only
understand how I feel but your compassion moves you to concern and
accountability.
I know you may think this a bit heavy for the topic of
chivalry, conversely, I think it may not be heavy enough. I consider chivalry to be a lost art that is
sorely missed. Chivalry is simply having
courage, honor, loyalty, respect and consideration for others. My dad used to say, “When respect is gone,
you don’t have to worry, love had already gotten its coat and hat and left!”
My Godson posted this quote as a Feminist Philosophy Lesson
on his Facebook page: "The door-opening and similar services
provided are services which really are needed by people who are for one reason
or another incapacitated-unwell, burdened with parcels, etc. So the message is
that women are incapable". -Marilyn Frye.
I don’t know about other women but this was an insult to me. I love and appreciate having my door opened
by a gentleman. It is not a sign that I
am weak nor incapable. It is a symbol that
the gentleman thinks I am important enough for him to show his consideration toward
me and open my door!
So, men as you celebrate this Labor Day, put chivalry back to
work. Demonstration your courage by caring for a woman. Show that not only is chivalry not
dead, but it’s reentering the work force!
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