Are times a-changin'?

I was telling a guy friend of mine here about the running out of gas post found here, and how several people commented about chivalry and how that type of behavior would not be found in their native areas. My friend (let’s call him Chuck) exclaimed, “What does chivalry have to do with helping someone on the side of the road? Are you saying that any man should automatically stop for any woman?”

I explained that my main frustration with the behavior was not so much that they didn’t help me, but that they actually stopped me from trying to get my problem rectified in order to assist them. It was far more dangerous for me to be on that road, exposed to traffic than for them to be lost and driving around (though I should point out that since they were lost, it’s reasonable to assume they might not be from Seattle).

Chuck then made the statement that it seems hypocritical for women to want equality, yet expect “chivalry” or preferential treatment for their gender. I responded that it’s a statistical fact that women are still earning less than men for the same job, so until there is true equality, perhaps we do have the right to expect certain niceties.

I pointed out that I also thought there was a difference between chivalry and having manners. If a guy doesn’t open my car door for me, it’s not a deal-breaker. But, allowing a door to slam in my face is impolite whether it be a date or a girl friend in front of me. Or, not offering a pregnant woman a seat on the bus.

While Chuck agreed that basic manners and courtesy should be no-brainer, he still did not agree that in this day and age, women should still have the expectation of the traditional sense of chivalry such as the door being opened, the check being paid, the man pursuing, etc. The difference being that chivalry is behavior from a man specifically reserved for a woman, and manners should be applied to anyone regardless of gender, age, etc.

Does chivalry still have a place in today’s society? Why or why not?