Essay Contest: Modernizing Chivalry {First Place Winner}

We were on our way to Randall’s one evening, when the all-too-familiar, Austin traffic brought us to a grinding halt. I was humming along with the radio when a “CLICK!” caught me by surprise. My girlfriend had locked the doors of the car, and I couldn’t fathom why. I conveyed my confusion with the lift of an eyebrow. She simply pointed past me at something outside the passenger side window. Following her finger, my eyes eventually made out what looked like a small gathering of homeless men. One of the panhandlers had begun limping towards our car.

“So what,” I thought aloud, “Just tell them we don’t have any money.” (This was true. I’m sympathetic toward those in disadvantaged circumstances, but I rarely carry cash as a debt-laden undergrad with a food-service job.)

“Things are just a little different as a girl,” she offered.

We drove off, leaving the homeless fellow and his tattered, trench coat behind, but the simple truth of her blunt words had sunk in. Even in America, the most modern, and equality-driven of countries, women still have concerns for their personal safety.

There is a commonly-held belief in today’s society, that the notion of chivalry is dead. Perhaps it is, and if we’re talking about it in a classical sense, it should stay that way. Many women would even argue that they don’t want or need a man looking out for them.

I agree. Surely, women do not need a man to protect or shelter them based on outdated beliefs. This would be an acknowledgement of difference or weakness. Women are our equals in every sense of the phrase. It’s time to start treating them as such. CodySmith_EssayWinner

I propose a modernized version of the word chivalry. It is not only an acknowledgement of the true equality of the opposite sex, but a need for actually treating them as such. Recognize that girlfriends, on their way to the supermarket late at night, have concerns about their safety. No, you don’t necessarily have to offer to walk them to safety, but let’s not be the creepy, drunken guy, lurking around or staring at them. Let’s make sure we are not objectifying them in the form of awkward and downright disrespectful pick-up attempts.

I can’t fathom an area more prone to acts of sexist machismo than the bars and lounges of our beloved college town, Austin. I’ve witnessed testosterone run wild. One night, I watched a man persistently harass a group of ladies playing pool at Bender Bar until they grew too uncomfortable and walked away from their game.

It is never acceptable to ruin someone’s attempt at a good time. Don’t be that guy. He is the reason females have to worry about their ability to feel safe and comfortable, and as our equals, this is a burden they shouldn’t be forced to endure. I doubt Mr. Obnoxious would have pestered a handful of his manly peers on the pool table.

Growing up, I listened to my two sisters vent their feelings of discomfort toward cat-calling crews of construction workers. Many times, they described going to the local gym only to be met with distasteful ogling. These males may have believed their actions to be socially acceptable, they would be wrong. My sisters’ distress was proof that what is“normal” behavior to one, can have lasting negativity on the psyche of another. I ask, is that the type of social sphere we want our mothers, sisters, girlfriends, and perhaps someday, daughters inhabiting? By making women feel more comfortable, safe and valued through modernized chivalry and equality-driven morals, we will foster a society with fewer locked doors and less degradation of our worthy feminine counterparts.

This article has been condensed and edited.

219 thoughts on “Essay Contest: Modernizing Chivalry {First Place Winner}”

  2. It’s difficult to find well-informed people in this particular topic, however, yousound like you know what you’re talking about!Thanks

  4. I was so impressed with you seminar matrix night, as well as your hfa ventolin. I will secure to spread the low-down of the Varying aspects that you provide. Compounding, Herbal , and Homeopathic remedies. Such a friendly, impassioned, force of the trust in as well.
    Beneficial advice. With thanks.

  9. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a verywell written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info.Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.

  13. That is a good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.Simple but very precise information? Many thanks for sharingthis one. A must read post!Look at my blog post; anti aging skin care

  24. An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you ought to write more about this subject, it might not be a taboo matter but generally folks don’t discuss such subjects. To the next! Kind regards!!

  25. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very hard to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appeal. I must say you’ve done a fantastic job with this. In addition, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Safari. Exceptional Blog!|

  28. Enchanted with how fast my contacts came! I desperately needed contacts on the eve of the weekend albuterol inhaler for sale (because I am someone that could not under any condition in glasses when universal entirely!!) and they arrived equitable in time. Saved my weekend.
    Seriously plenty of excellent tips.

  33. I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog. I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now ????

  38. I’d should examine with you here. Which isn’t something I usually do! I take pleasure in studying a publish that will make individuals think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to remark!

  45. Hi there! This article could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I am going to forward this information to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing!|

  51. I am really enjoying the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues? A handful of my blog visitors have complained about my site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any tips to help fix this problem?|

  54. Thanks for a marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will come back from now on. I want to encourage continue your great posts, have a nice holiday weekend!|

  55. You can definitely see your skills within the article you write.The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe.Always go after your heart.

  71. What’s up mates, how is all, and what you desire to say concerning this article, in my view its genuinely amazing designed for me.

  92. macaw parrots for sale
    Our parrots make a wonderful companion pet. Purchasing a pet parrot online is easy at MyMacaws Home. We sell parrots of the highest quality health and basic ability in their DNA. We have a small selection of macaw parrots for sale, Harlequin macaw parrot for sale, Blue and Gold Macaw parrot for sale and Hyacinth macaw parrot for sale. Browse wide variety of Parrots and Eggs on our Website.

    https://mymacaws.com

  108. It’s genuinely very complicated in this full of activity life to listen news on TV, thus I just use the web for that reason, and get the latest news.|

  112. Thanks for another magnificent article. Where else could anybody get that type of information in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such information.

  115. hello!,I love your writing so much! share wecommunicate extra approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert on this area to resolvemy problem. May be that is you! Taking a look forward to look you.

  120. An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you need to write more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo subject but generally people don’t talk about such topics. To the next! Cheers!!

  143. I needed to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you saved as a favorite to check out new stuff you post…

  146. Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for info about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve came upon so far. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain in regards to the supply?

  157. We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.|

  200. ข้อมูลล่าสุดจากการสุ่มตรวจเพื่อถอดรหัสพันธุกรรมสายพันธุ์ที่ระบาดในประเทศไทย ที่ศูนย์จีโนมฯ ร่วมกับ CONI วิจัย พบว่าขณะนี้ 71% เป็นสายพันธุ์อัลฟ่าที่ยังครองพื้นที่อยู่ 22% เป็นสายพันธุ์เดลต้า และ 3% เป็นสายพันธุ์เบต้า อย่างไรก็ตาม วัคซีนที่เราใช้อยู่ขณะนี้ยังใช้ได้ผลกับ 2 สายพันธุ์ดังกล่าว การระบาดที่รวดเร็วโดยเฉพาะสายพันธุ์เดลต้า จำเป็นต้องเร่งปูพรมฉีดวัคซีน จึงอยากให้ทุกคนเข้ารับวัคซีน ต้องดูแนวโน้มอีก 1 เดือนจะเห็นผลมากขึ้นว่าสายพันธุ์เดลต้าจะครองพื้นที่หรือไม่ หากถอดรหัสพันธุกรรมไปแล้วเกิน 50% ก็มีความแน่นอนว่าสายพันธุ์เดลต้าจะครองพื้นที่แทนอัลฟ่า
    BY ศุภดา Go to webste:https://ipro191.com/

Comments are closed.