Chivalry's Not Dead
Students speak out on chivalry's changing definitions
Caroline Balchunas and Lora Ghawaly
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Fine Arts and Culture
Dating is not always the most enjoyable part of being single. It’s the awkward first date jitters and the interrogations. For some, it’s the disappointment when the man fails to open the car door or the awkward silence when the dinner check comes and the server asks who will pay. The chivalry code that Mom and Dad upheld a generation ago isn’t always the standard today. But that isn’t, then what is?
In light of Valentines Day's approach, the Wolf decided to find out. We asked Loyola students and faculty what chivalry means to them, and how and why the chivalry code has changed over time.
MICHELLE RAU,
PSYCHOLOGY SOPHOMORE:
Rau believes that chivalry is any thoughtful act, from the tradition of opening the door for someone, to simply doing something to make a person smile.
Rau also thinks that family plays a role in learning chivalrous attitudes. She learned her behavior from family, friends, and Disney movies, she says.
KWAME JUAKALI, PHILOSOPHY SOPHOMORE
Juakali says that he would be chivalrous to a stranger, and apologize if they became offended, but he would rather be courteous than not. He argues that chivalry is not dead, but thinks it is taking a lesser role.
The classic stereotype of a “southern gentleman” is a result of family upbringing, Juakali says. He finds the south to be a more relaxed, slower place.
He also believes that parents aren’t teaching chivalry or manners as much as they used to. Juakali grew up in a single-parent household, where his mother always impressed courteous behavior on him, like encouraging him to give up his seat to women, he says.
KATHERINE HOELSCHER,
MASS COMMUNICATION JUNIOR
Chivalry has diminished over time because of feminist attitudes, says Kate Hoelscher.
HOLLY COMBS,
ENGLISH WRITING SOPHOMORE
"She expects the guy to pay for the date if he’s the one who asked her out. In turn, if she asks a guy out, she presumes she will foot the bill out of courtesy."
YOLANDA CAL,
SCHOOL OF MASS COMMUNICATION ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
A decline in traditional definitions of chivalry has been a long time coming, says Cal.
PETER KIM,
MANAGEMENT JUNIOR
“I do expect girls to act chivalrously towards me as much as I would act chivalrously to girls.”
MICHELLE RAU,
PSYCHOLOGY SOPHOMORE:
Rau believes that chivalry is any thoughtful act, from the tradition of opening the door for someone, to simply doing something to make a person smile.
Rau also thinks that family plays a role in learning chivalrous attitudes. She learned her behavior from family, friends, and Disney movies, she says.
KWAME JUAKALI, PHILOSOPHY SOPHOMORE
Juakali says that he would be chivalrous to a stranger, and apologize if they became offended, but he would rather be courteous than not. He argues that chivalry is not dead, but thinks it is taking a lesser role.
The classic stereotype of a “southern gentleman” is a result of family upbringing, Juakali says. He finds the south to be a more relaxed, slower place.
He also believes that parents aren’t teaching chivalry or manners as much as they used to. Juakali grew up in a single-parent household, where his mother always impressed courteous behavior on him, like encouraging him to give up his seat to women, he says.
KATHERINE HOELSCHER,
MASS COMMUNICATION JUNIOR
Chivalry has diminished over time because of feminist attitudes, says Kate Hoelscher.
HOLLY COMBS,
ENGLISH WRITING SOPHOMORE
"She expects the guy to pay for the date if he’s the one who asked her out. In turn, if she asks a guy out, she presumes she will foot the bill out of courtesy."
YOLANDA CAL,
SCHOOL OF MASS COMMUNICATION ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
A decline in traditional definitions of chivalry has been a long time coming, says Cal.
PETER KIM,
MANAGEMENT JUNIOR
“I do expect girls to act chivalrously towards me as much as I would act chivalrously to girls.”
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