Is Chivalry Dead? 

Chivalry, by definition, is courteous behavior that is often depicted as people doing things for their significant other to show they care. But what about now in today’s day and age? Does it still apply to modern times? 

Some might say chivalry exists deep in a person’s heart and sometimes resurfaces when one truly and fully loves someone. However, the meaning of chivalry has been flipped, pushed around, and changed. Modernly, the definition of chivalry is a polite way to treat people, but not in the same courteous way. Now, it’s simply passing by a person and telling them they’re good-looking or giving your significant other your hoodie when it’s cold; this is seen as chivalrous.

What did chivalry mean many years back and how is it different from now? While some might disagree that it’s still the same, many chivalrous acts have changed from, say, our parent’s time, to adapt to the world now. Back then, people asked others on dates in person or with a phone call; now, it’s simply over a text if they want to “hang”. Buying your significant other flowers is still a thing, however it rarely happens. 

After conducting a few interviews with students of all grade levels and different perspectives, the conclusion seems to be unanimous. Here’s what some students have to say about chivalry: 

A freshman student, who wishes to remain anonymous commented, “It’s most likely dead, people nowadays don’t appreciate their partners how they used to.”

This question sparked another response from a sophomore, also wishing to remain anonymous, who responded, “It varies from person to person; it’s both dead and alive, like it’s alive in some people. It’s just their actions that define it and the type of person they are. Oh, and whether or not it's reciprocated back.” 

Perspective plays a big role in determining whether or not chivalry is dead. For example, Sabrina Ngo, a junior at Rosemead High School, told us, “No, it’s not, because from a personal perspective, people treat their significant others romantically and with as much respect as they can. I know this because I have an amazing boyfriend.” From a personal perspective, this is true because it was what she experienced. 

RHS senior, Jackie Chen, whom we also interviewed, responded by saying, “I think it has to do with how we as a modern society perceive gender roles. In recent years, gender roles have shifted, making it harder for people to be chivalrous.” When asked to elaborate, he added, “As society has changed, women are more independent now and men are more reliant, both have different social expectations than before.” 

Although chivalry has been around for centuries, it is a matter of perspective and personal experience that truly tells whether or not chivalry is dead or alive. Coming from a variety of people with various experiences, chivalry can not be defined as dead or alive, because while some people believe it’s alive and have positive experiences with their significant others, others believe it’s dead due to their own negative outlooks and or experiences.