West European Studies

Chivalry, andor the concept of Chivalry, has been around for a few hundred years.  Historically, Chivalry was an unspoken code of ethics that young knights in the days of the Crusades believed in and followed almost religiously.  The concept of Chivalry was designed to produce knights and solders with a code of ethics that was moral and good, polite and strong.  It was a deliberate move from the religious sectors to make loyalty, honor, truth, valor and honesty the most worthy of attributes a soldier or individual could personify.  Although not as prevalent and revered today as it was in the medieval times, Chivalry still exists and can be witnessed during war times, the court systems and in gender-based circumstances.

Perhaps one of the most obvious forms of Chivalry in todays society is witnessed by the actions of our military personnel, our soldiers.  War is violent it is killing and surviving.  Yet, during war times, soldiers can be seen protecting children, women and civilians of the enemy.  To be chivalrous one must protect the weak and those that can not protect themselves otherwise.  Soldiers go to great lengths to try and protect civilians, even at the risk of their own lives.  There are numerous photographs on the Internet attesting to such chivalrous actions soldiers carrying children, cradling them in their arms while they try to shelter them,  providing food and water, and helping to repair andor rebuild homes and shelters.
     
Chivalry is also about being devout Christians, respecting religion and being faithful to God.  No matter what heinous crime a person may commit, the courts still have that person swear on a Bible that they will tell the complete truth.  It is almost expected that the criminal will tell the truth by swearing an oath.  The penalty for lying under oath is Perjury and can be punished by jail time and fines. Although this is not as significant of an example as many others, it is important to note that even in todays society, there is a lot of importance and tradition instilled in the court systems.

One of the codes of Chivalry involved the treatment of women.  Knights were expected to almost revere women, protecting and defending them.  The demands of todays society sees a lot of women having to work to make ends meet or to help in the family budget.  Women are not near as helpless as they were once considered in medieval times.  They have means to support themselves and their families, and a lot more laws protecting women have been employed.  Regardless, there are a lot of chivalrous actions deferring to women.  Many men still open doors for women, whether they know them or not.  On dates men may buy women flowers, open car doors, pay the tab at restaurants, etc.  Men still have that inherent trait to be protective of women.  This protective nature can be seen in everyday life. For example, couples walking hand-in-hand down the sidewalk with the man walking closest to the curb, making sure he is closest to the danger, or, couples sleeping habits, wherein the man sleeps on the side of the bed closest to the door, apparently to protect against intruders.

Chivalry, although not demonstrated in the same degree as a few hundred years ago, is still alive and prevalent today.  It is seen, although maybe not actually realized as being chivalrous, in many aspects of our lives.  It is seen in war situations with soldiers protecting innocent civilians, in our court systems with an emphasis on honesty and religion, and in gender-based situations where men will many times show deference to the female species.  It is an important part of society, helping to maintain honesty, decorum, honor, loyalty and lawfulness.  Chivalry encourages quality treatment of others and is usually appreciated by the recipient. It is a benefit to society, not a hindrance.  Chivalry, as is said, is not dead, but alive and kicking.