Is traditional chivalry actually a form of sexism?

[IloveMacDemarco4]

[Screenwriter]

Well, it is about respecting women. But there is an aspect of chivalry that seem to posit that women need to be rescued from danger by men. The knight killing the dragon. That is a bit sexist.

Women certainly can use some protection from danger by men, but we all don't need to rescued. We have some living skills. And opening a door or pulling out a chair as a nicety is sweet, not sexist. We can certainly do both of those things for ourselves.

And if I see a man with packages heading to a door and I have free hands, I open the door for him. Chivalry can work both ways. It's kindness, helpfulness, respect.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Yes and no. It definitely exists because of a period of time where women were considered property and not people, but how much does the intent matter in the face of the action itself and whether or not it does good?

[BrianMerritt]

It depends on how you define sexism. Many feminists use the word sexism very loosely to mean "treated different," regardless of whether or not there is a sensible reason for different treatment. But, you don't really treat ANY 2 humans completely the same, do you?

Sexism actually means discriminating based on sex. Chivalry is merely a gentle sensitivity towards women. Some women may find it a little patronizing, just like men may sometimes feel patronized when a women behaves maternally towards them.

But it's not behavior that is intended to prejudice a woman in any way, so no, it's not sexist.

[OneViewpoint]

LOL, it's not sexism if women benefit from it. But it's definitely sexism if you try to hold them accountable for anything. See how this works?

Seriously though, typical chivalry is intended as polite acts of kindness and/or respect. If a militant feminist or woman with a bad attitude want to view that as a patriarchal act of control, have at it. At that point, I will let the door slam shut behind me and my umbrella is my umbrella. You should plan better.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

I can't say there's such a thing as traditional chivalry in 2026 since I associate that with medieval times, however I see gallantry from time to time. I always found gallantry questionable, be it the sincere or strategic format, because it looked like a mild form of sexism to me, yes, something patronizing, something dubious.

[WindAtMyBack]

If sexism means acknowledging a difference between the sexes, then yes. By that definition I'm a proud sexist.

[loveslongnails]

Tell me 2 things:
1) What definition of sexism are we working with for this question?
2) Which parts of traditional chivalry do you think are examples of sexism?

Thank you.

[Dargil]

Only a brainless twit would ask that question.

[LC75LC71]

Yeah it's been called "White Knight" for decades now. Dudes standing up for chicks in a shitty attempt to get pussy.

[Anonymous]

yes because it elevates women above men sometimes at the cost of the man's life

[LiamS95]

No it's just an act of kindness and good manners.

[Anonymous]

Is there ANYTHING some people won't find a way to frame as "sexism"?

Let me guess... you're a feminist. Am I right?

[Anonymous]

No, but it is labeled that in this day and age of low IQ people.

[Natasha1995]

No, absolutely not.

[Bricealan]

@IloveMacDemarco4 How so?

[exitseven]

Nope. it i just being polite.

[jahaims]

Lmfao so brainwashed it's crazy

[Mike_Hum]

No. hope this clears it up for you.

[Kelly6]

@IloveMacDemarco4 No

[beefcakebradybatson]

Sure.

[ZameerAnsari91]

What is this?