Jack White of The White Stripes put it best when he sang, “Well, I’m finding it harder to be a gentleman everyday. All the manners that I’ve been taught have slowly died away.”

Men were taught the seemingly right way to treat a lady, but the reciprocation, that tends to lack respect, is killing chivalry as we know it. The way women give the cold shoulder after we go out of our way to open the door for them discourages us from repeating the favor for other women.

Men have caught on to the belief that nice guys finish last while the “bad boy” comes home to beat on the emotions of his female companion. This in itself has made the loving, affectionate man hide his feelings and improve upon his masculinity in ways that are counter-productive to keeping chivalry alive.

I believe there is still a chance for guys like us to survive. A kinder and more courteous male exists only when the female shares the same chivalrous values.

Although modern day chivalry is waning, it survives on what is left of common human courtesy. When I open the door for my girlfriend, I am not only publicly showing respect and affection for her, but I would put forth the same integrity for whoever walks in after. I see it as a kind gesture for my fellow man.

In the years preceding the sexual revolution of the 1960’s, some feminists have taken independence far past equality. These women have strived so hard for mutual respect that chivalry has become sexist. This assumption presents paranoia in the workplace, so much so, that referring to a woman’s gender is sexual harassment.

I am not trying to suppress women in my opinion. I just want equality for men and women alike, rather than extreme feminist goals that breed reverse sexism. If women can see chivalry as an innocent act of kindness rather than a stripping of their independence, then men will not have to stress over whether there will be repercussions for beinga gentleman.