Chivalry is alive and well.
It's etiquette that's dying off.
While chivalry is more than just opening doors, etiquette is more than just knowing which silverware to use.
Etiquette :a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group. The French word, signifying ticket (of admission, etc.) first appeared in English in 1750
Chivalry :a term related to the medieval institution of knighthood. It is usually associated with ideals of knightly virtues, honor and courtly love. The word is derived from the French word chevalier, indicating one who rides a horse (Fr. cheval). Today, the terms chivalry and chivalrous are used to describe courteous behavior, especially that of men towards women.
1 comment:
If etiquette is "delineated by expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group", then proper etiquette is not dying, but changing or different. Proper etiquette in medieval royalty is not the same as middle class Japanese culture, which in turn, is not the same as low income urban American etiquette. Chivalry will always hold the same standard for gentlemanly behavior.
I have George Washington's "Exercise of a Schoolboy" on my bookshelf. Here is a link to a site that lists his "Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation":
http://www.history.org/Almanack/life/manners/rules2.cfm
I like his last statute: 110th Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience.
We must each be judges of what we find is chivalrous, what is etiquette, what is called for and what is not. As for me, I choose my own level, ignoring political correctness, but adhering to my own personal standards of higher living and thought.
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