The modern day interpretation of chivalry is seen as polite and courteous behavior towards women. Men display chivalry when they hold open doors for women or offer them their jacket on a cold night. Chivalry is a defining trait of a true gentlemen, but the question remains, is chivalry dead? The answer is both yes and no.

My answer is hard to understand at first but allow me to explain. I hold out doors for women and men all the time, and women do this as well. It is seen as a nice thing to do for another person, and it is very rare for someone not to say thank you when the door is held open for them. The thing is, men are still courteous and seen as gentlemen, but they are not described as chivalrous. When a man is not being polite, the phrase, “chivalry is dead,” is easier to say than “you are not being a gentleman.” Conversely, saying “he is a real gentlemen” is easier than saying,  “he is very chivalrous.” Are men less polite and courteous nowadays than in years  past? No. Men are still very courteous towards women in today’s day  and age, and I believe they are actually more polite then they have been in the past. Word gets around fast nowadays; nobody wants to be recognized for being a douchebag.  

So, the word “chivalry” is dead but the idea of chivalry is very much alive in society today. Of course, as a man, I am on the outside looking in, but to say that there are not any gentlemen left in this world is simply untrue .  Gentlemen are out there, some women just  don’t notice them when they are holding the door open.