The mushy sentimentality of Valentine’s Day often reminds me of how outdated the concept of chivalry has become. When I think about the notion of “Ladies First,” my mind drifts to the Titanic tragedy. Imagine those unfortunate men who faced certain death, all while allowing women to board lifeboats ahead of them. The philosophy of “Ladies First” stems from a time when survival depended heavily on reproduction—back then, a woman carrying a child had priority in perilous situations. Sorry, James—Jessica’s snagged the last life preserver.
In today’s world, this mindset feels irrelevant. With advancements like test-tube babies, surrogacy, and evolving family structures including same-sex marriage, the traditional roles are shifting. Flight attendants even remind us to secure our own masks before assisting children. And guess what? Our population is thriving!
You might argue that you want your son to grow up to be a gentleman, fearing he won’t attract a partner without some form of chivalry. But I find it uncomfortable to instruct my son to yield to girls “just because.” The antiquated idea of chivalry conjures up visions of knights rescuing damsels in distress. Sure, the knight gets to slay the dragon, but I can’t help but feel for the woman who’s rolling her eyes, stifling her strength while her partner plays the heroic role.
We live in an era where empowered female characters reign supreme—think of the fierce archer leading her people or women capable of vying for the highest office in the land. The phrase “Ladies First” has morphed into something new. Girls are capable of anything, and rightfully so. But shouldn’t we also acknowledge that boys deserve respect and opportunities too?
Let’s be real: we shouldn’t teach our sons to open doors for girls merely because they are female. It’s high time we instill in them the value of treating everyone with care—be it a person of any race, political affiliation, or even fictional character like Elsa or Katniss. Instead of perpetuating the stereotype of self-centeredness often attributed to our generation, wouldn’t it be more beneficial to promote selflessness?
It’s time to move beyond traditional chivalry. We champion equality between men and women, recognizing our differences while valuing our worth equally. Teaching children that everyone deserves love and consideration fosters a kinder worldview. Placing others’ needs before our own is a lesson that resonates in our rapidly changing society.
This is a message I believe the fair maiden of old would endorse.
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