Blogs He Said, She Said

Chivalry is Dead.

Ms. Mishmaoul October 28th 2008

Seriously. It is.

Case in point, my recent flight from London:

Incident #1
Granted, I was running late (as usual), and there was a long queue at the VAT counter (as usual), but I thought my feminine charms could work their usual magic on the opposite sex … and so, as there were 3 impeccably-dressed business men ahead of me, I tried to cut in front of them as I explained I was running extremely late for my flight (actually true), because I had forgotten my passport and had to go back for it (white lie) and was just having an all-around hectic day (always true).
Now normally, those investment banker types are always eager to help a damsel in distress. Alas, that was not the case that day. Instead, I was subjected to 2 incredulous looks and one expressionless stare … I guess the credit crisis has them in a catatonic state.

Incident #2
I am now standing in the security check line, balancing 2 laptops (don’t ask), my Balenciaga (the sold-out purple one!), my coat, my zip-lock bag containing all sorts of liquidy junk, and my passport of course. As I attempt to unload my whole life onto the screening belt, said zip-lock bag drops and my creams, lotions and liquid potions fly out in all sorts of directions. There are 7 men around me (yes, I counted) – including Investment banker dude from VAT queue. No one budges. I am apparently invisible.

Incident #3
Finally on the plane, attempting to lift some stuff into the locker, again no one helps ... C’mon people! This is classic chivalry! The guy always helps the girl stow away the luggage, right?
Wrong.
It's everyone for themselves these days …

Well, third time was not a charm as the saying goes!

So, in conclusion, I ask you ladies, is it just yours truly who’s lost her touch, or is Chivalry truly and utterly a distant memory in this day and age?

“

Ms. Mish! youre so right! the Gentelman is dead and its actually a surprise when a man keeps a door open for you, let you pass through it first. Worse, they even CUT IN LINE! which is what happened to me on Saturday night. i find myself being the Gentlewoman and keeping doors open for our so-called life partners and do you think id get a smile or a thank you in return?? NO.

From a disgruntled damsel in distress. 

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“

I would normally agree with you whole-heartedly Ms. Mish, except that this very morning, as i was stepping out of the supermarket to get to my car, and the downpour came out of nowhere, a wonderful gentleman insisted on walking me to my car under his umbrella ... So there's still hope yet! :) 

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Well I wholeheartedly agree that chivalry is dead and buried and pushing up the daisies.. but when it comes to that first incident I don't really think that has anything to do with chivalry.

Let's put it this way - if you were standing in that line and saw another woman walk up and try to do that - wouldn't you find that annoying? I know I would. And, on the other hand, expecting that kind of treatment really opens up a whole can of worms doesn't it? I can hear all the men thinking "Why should women expect special treatment when it suits them, and any other time they want to be treated as equals?" 

As for the other incidents - well if guys aren't going to be any help - how about us ladies come together and start helping each other instead. 

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