Gallantry, machismo and indifference3 reading minutes

Gallantry is now considered macho, At least by some feminists. According to them, this French form of masculine manners towards women conceals a sexist vision. More precisely, a worldview in which men must treat women as weak and fragile.

A mark of civility among others

And yet, gallantry is a mark of civility among others. Logically, therefore, it can only be opposed to clumsy reflexes such as machismo or savagery. When you take the metro in Lausanne or Paris, you're not struck by the machismo white cis-gendered Western-centric right-wing villains. But simply the lack of civility of a few «ouesh ouesh», more and more numerous. Those who spread their legs and encroach on the other seats, dressed in their trainings unbearable.

Let's not confuse the issue. Gallantry, usually practiced by mild-mannered people, is a code of conduct. Like all codes, it is arbitrary (governing the duties of one sex towards the other). But, like all codes, it also makes it possible to because’It's an arbitrary idea, to calm social relations by introducing a standard of harmony.

What's more serious than gallantry, which is being lost, and incivility, which is spreading?

It is of course permissible to question certain rules of gallantry, such as a man's right to enter a restaurant before his companion. These discussions are even interesting. That said, it seems more urgent to combat incivility as a whole, and not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Let's not attack chivalry as a form of civility. It's being lost.

It's up to us to wake up on public transport, for example, when we witness appalling scenes of vulgarity, or even harassment in the worst cases. La Liberté we learned that more and more bus drivers are losing sleep at night, and are even resigning because of the rudeness of some passengers. Let's not be indifferent, let's condemn disrespect! It's our responsibility.

Write to the author: jonas.follonier@leregardlibre.com

Image: © Nicolas Locatelli for Le Regard Libre

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