Why I Think It Is A Good Idea To Encourage A Version Of Chivalry In Indian Boys And Men

Chivalry should not be considered outdated, only because it can inculcate real, practical respect for women in Indian boys and men.

There are a few things we need to understand about this fundamental behaviour. Yes. It is a ‘fundamental’ behaviour. And like all other fundamental behaviours, it was also defined by men. The only difference being, they took the responsibility of practicing it. Till women started feeling otherwise. And banished it with all the other practices to make room for ‘equality’. But, chivalry was never in contest with equality, was it?

It wasn’t. It isn’t. Simply because if a man is being chivalrous, he is just being respectful.

When he is opening the door for a lady, ushering her to the restaurant table, pouring water for her, asking her to choose from the menu, or paying the bill, not because he has to impress her.

When he is cooking for the family as his wife will be late from work, helping her do the dishes, helping her fight her battles when nobody is…because he can. Because he understands. Because this comes naturally to him. Because he is chivalrous.

And that is the minimum men are expected to do. Then why not encourage them to practice it?

Especially for Indian men, who are brought up with the head-weight that ‘men are superior to women’. They lose it at the drop of a hat. Very few Indian men consider respecting the other gender IMPORTANT. They may grow up feeling a real man, but they don’t really behave like one. Because they weren’t taught to. They were not taught not to ogle at girls, not to pass rude comments, or not behave the way its suits them – because it is disrespectful.

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They lose out in the larger scheme of things. When they get exposed to the world, they falter. They don’t think when they get involved in a crime against women. They have a justified reason for that. They paint a weak picture of India when they represent the country in a global context. Where we are a representative of our culture and not an individual.

And chivalry should be a part of Indian culture. It can’t be discarded as sophisticated men’s baggage. Or Western culture that Indians should not follow. It should be a part of every man from every walk of life.

We have a long way to go. And we have to go back in time for this.

Image source: YouTube

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