Anti-Chivalry; Pro-Equality

If chivalry is dead, good riddance.

It is my continuing belief that I, as a woman, should not be treated "like a lady," but rather, as an equal. Many people will discount this idea as being unappreciative or "in a feminist rage," - but I digress.

Firstly, I think it's important to realize that I have nothing against generosity; of course not. I don't think there is anything wrong with a man offering to pay for dinner, and a woman accepting that offer. That being said, I see no difference in a woman offering to pay for dinner, and a man accepting that offer. The idea is not taking on your masculine and feminine duties, but rather, just being a decent human being. Generosity and gracious acceptance need not be gendered characteristics. In the same way, I don't think there is anything inherently anti-feminist in, for example, a man opening a door for a woman; though I think if there is some cultural expectation in the man doing so, then it is.

Secondly, it is important to note the reason why I think the traditional idea of chivalry is bad. Many people will question "what do you have against is? isn't it a good thing? don't you want to be treated well by men?" These people lack a basic understanding of the implications of chivalry. See, someone who is being treated "like a lady" is inherently not being treated like an equal. The idea of treating a woman "right" has implications like "protecting her" and "providing for her" etc. These can be limiting. For example, in the past, ladies would be "protected" from the harsh world of politics. I think we all know where this is going. Women were sheltered from issues like that (that they could've been helping to solve UGH) and of course, this is a form of inequality. Like my mother has often said "if women expect to vote; they can't expect to be treated like princesses." And why would we want to be? Equality is the ultimate aim; not superiority.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that generosity is not the problem, it's the inequality of expectations. So, when you see me accepting my boyfriend's offer to pay for dinner, it's not because I think it's his role, it's because I'm always happy to accept generosity (and because I'm broke).