I imagine that, in part at least, Chivalry was an overstated and perhaps blown out of porportion (sp?) version of courtesy, because there was very little gentleness towards women in the days of yore, which did contribute to modern civilization. Gilda's excellent post illustrated the plain ole non-inherently physical (could I possibly say it less eloquently?!?) differences women experienced, what with the gigantic dresses and all. I think theadoption of the ideals of chivalry helped in part to build the foundation for today's "Common Courtesy". It was an exaggerated form for that society. Remember that Chivalry, as a concept, did not deal only with the treament of women. It was a code of conduct for a specific class of men, and for those who aspired to that class--and being able to change one's class was a very new concept in the Middle Ages.
I also agree with aKula's input regarding gallantry--it's a good point. Thanks!
It's all in one's point of view. For example, one could look at the crazy (at least to our modern mind) restrictive clothing women wore all through history, and one could view it as A) A rediculous affectation to illustrate women's simple-minded devotion to fashion and impressing/attracting the opposite sex, or as B) A form of domination by men over women to keep them helpless and weak.
Hell, I look at what's on the runway today and wonder: WTF? But it's selling (or variations anyways, dependant on one's modern societal "class"), and there's still a reason for that. Join me in the revolt against the "Skinny Pant" this season! If you are not with me, you are against me!
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"Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath.
At night, the ice weasels come." -
Matt Groening
My goal? To fulfill my potential.
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