Why the 21st century is no longer a place of chivalry.

In the technologically adapted culture that we now live in, where attraction can be determined by a single swipe right, it is hardly surprising that chivalry seems a somewhat archaic notion.

A little personal experience: The other day, I was caught in a torrential downpour without an umbrella, seeking any shelter I could from the overhang of window ledges, when a 30 something year old man (with an umbrella, I hasten to add) approached directly along the same path of walking (and ducking) and refused to make even the slightest effort to move aside. This then left me, in my already semi-sodden state, to embrace the full force of the rainstorm just to save his Clarks finest loafers from the perils of a waterdroplet.

Now this may be taking the idea of chauvinism too far, and don't get me wrong, I am not expecting men to literally part at the mere sight of a woman, but even a mere glint of recognition of another's presence does not seem to be asking too much.

But why is it that we, as a society, appear increasingly unperturbed by this type of behaviour?

Perhaps my parents were old fashioned in their values, or maybe it is a result of my Polish heritage (haha), but I always remember that from a young age my two younger brothers were taught the importance of etiquette and chivalry towards women. Whether this rubbed off or not is another question.

I should make it clear that in no way am I attempting to degrade women's status by this. I, for one, am aware of the importance of women's rights and equality amongst the sexes, but does this necessarily mean that men should no longer treat women with courtesy? I do not think so.

I'm sure that many of you would say "well you can't have it both ways," which I can appreciate, but what I want to question is how we have got to a place in modern culture where a simple gesture of holding a door open for a lady can be deemed belittling? Martin Daubney stated that "The risk of being accused of sexism makes men think twice before helping women," which is something that needs to be readdressed.

Of course if we look hard enough, I'm sure you could find a plethora of examples of sexism in everyday life. Take Yorkie's disgraceful previous slogan "It's not for girls," for example. But it is precisely this distinction between trivial and genuine matters that needs to be outlined.

If helping women becomes unwelcome or potentially risks a sexist accusation, is it any wonder that men give up trying?

So there we have it. If we, as women, desire a potential for chivalry, it appears that a more accepting attitude need be adopted.

#opinion