Chivalry has taken its own deal of criticism throughout the decades. Conversations ranging from the death of chivalry to the growth of chivalry have been debated for years. Back in the 1920s, women were treated like princesses by men. Now, feminism rears it proud head, knocking chivalry further and further down on a priority list for men and women alike. Why should men open doors for women? Why shouldn’t the ladies be offering their seats on the bus? Is chivalry actually dead or has it just evolved to fit the 21st century’s ideals?

Chivalry has been apparent throughout history. Obviously, we didn’t categorize it until the after the medieval ages, because chivalry stood for strength, loyalty, courtesy and generosity in knights. Well, being women, we decided that that was the “ideal” man. Henceforth, chivalry was a man being kind to a woman … as it should be. This continued throughout time, and we end in the 21st century. The “I” generation, as we are so fondly referred to. Now we have women in power, in high-up positions in the economy, and they demand their rightful respect and equality.

“I think that chivalry is a good thing, serving women in small ways can be an expression that they are precious individuals from the men around them, especially in personal lives,” said David SpeedCQ, senior in supply chain management. “The workplace is an area where it may not be as practical and the equalization seen in recent decades might be a cause in the decline of acts of chivalry.”

Right on. Chivalry is a great thing, but in moderation. Too much of chivalry from a guy, whether it’s a significant other or a guy just being nice, is just downright annoying. If guys ran around holding every door open, throwing flowers and kissing up to girls, we would be sick of it. With that being said, chivalry is the right thing for men. Guys need to be kind to women. Women sacrifice many aspects of our lives, from our bodies to our social lives, to make men happy. The least guys can do is point a little extra kindness in our direction. This doesn’t mean women are allowed to scare men off. Don’t be proud and feministic, take the flowers and allow the men to pay for the check. Guys like being chivalrous, but girls are terrifying. Chivalry is good, and men and women, alike, gain from the experience.

“An honest guy opening a door for a girl on campus or sharing an umbrella on a rainy day and receiving a small smile or a kind “thank you” in return is plenty rewarding enough,” said Timothy Loe, junior in supply chain management.

Chivalry still exists. It’s hiding between the social media and the busy days of our lives. We have the opportunity to bring chivalry back into the light. Chivalry needs to be apparent in everyday events. I’m not saying just guys, although they do get the chance to shine, but the ladies need to contribute. Maybe not by holding the door open, but by offering to help a guy carry his stuff down the stairs. Chivalry doesn’t necessarily only have to apply to one sex.

“I think it’s sweet when a guy opens doors and does chivalrous things. However, I feel uncomfortable when a guy goes overboard, like insisting on paying for every date or not. When it comes down to it, I think it’s just important for people to have manners,” said Karly Michl, senior in management.

So, no, chivalry is not dead. I believe that it’s hiding in the 21st century. The 1920s were great, as were the medieval times, but it’s 2014. Not everything is equivalent, and topics will have changed. Through human nature, we will continue to debate whether chivalry is right or wrong, extinct or apparent, for years to come. What needs to happen is for people to make a change. Women and men alike are presented with the opportunity to bring kindness into the world. It’s time to bring the subject of chivalry back on top.