Quote from Dr. Love
Yeah, chivalry was basically founded on the concept that women couldn't take care of themselves; (they were second-rate citizens after all, way back then.) I mean, do you seriously need help getting out of a car?
Though customs and concepts get changed all the time, like in this case chivalry has been adapted to something charming, romantic and the like.
That being said, I don't object or support chivalry. Do what you like. Though I'd rather there'd be some kind of 'mutual chivalry' or something? I think you shouldn't do those 'charities' at all just because they're a specific gender, you should do it because you care about the person, the individual.
... I can just feel that I'm going to regret this post.
It's a question of manners.
And technically, Chivalry itself comes from the the Knightly virtues of Feudal Europe, and is somewhat analogous to the concept of Bushido. It had nothing to do with treating women as inferior, but rather had everything to do with honor.
It's not a question of treating women as inferior, it's a question of honoring other people, especially women. The term Gentleman comes from the old usage of the word gentle, or gentile, used to denote one's noble blood. As a gentleman, it's their responsibility to bring honor to their family, and not to dishonor their family. Treating other people, especially women, with courtesy was part of this, just as dueling and serving in the military.
As far as the modern adaptation, consider this. When man and a woman go out, what is the woman typically wearing? A dress or skirt, right? And usually with some sort of heeled shoe? Would it not make sense for a man to help preserve the honor of the woman by making sure her appearance doesn't become disheveled or her skirt/dress doesn't ride up and show her undergarments? That's why men would help women get out of a car.
Manners come from practicality, too.
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Listen here Livin just to keep from dyin