The Scenario
A man is walking towards the entrance of a building. The building has what looks like a pair of not so heavy double doors. A few paces ahead of him is a woman chatting away on her phone and teasing her hair with her free hand. She reaches the doors ahead of him, looks back at him, then again at the doors and she waits.
The Question
The woman arrived to the doors first, is unencumbered by any items in hand, and seems to be physically capable of opening the doors herself. The man notices that she purposefully waits for him to reach her and pretty much signals him to open the doors for her. What should he do?
The Back Story
Once upon a time it was understood that a man came to a woman's rescue. Be it to save her from an ogre, a fire breathing dragon, or a stubborn pickle jar. In those days it was FACT that men, the "stronger" gender, were duty bound to protect the women, the "fairer" sex. In Haitian culture it was no different. Women were not to take part in the rougher or grittier tasks of the household. Tilling the land, being handy around the house, and having a job, sa te travay pou gason (that was work meant for men). But somewhere between the 1970s and present day, something changed. (Exactly what, well that's for a future post.)
Personally I was brought up to be a gentleman no matter what. My mother instilled it in me, my father was my example, and my sisters the ever vigilant enforcers. But they did not or rather were unable to prepare me for this generation's interpretation and expectation of a gentleman. But back to the matter at hand...for now.
The man takes a step forward, smiles at the woman, and takes a hold of the door handle. He pulls the door open and...
Well I know what I'd do, but what would you do in this scenario, ladies? GENTLEMEN? How do you think this scenario should play out? Or better yet how has it played out for you in real life? Ultimately the main question is, Is Chivalry Dead? I'll await your answers. Until then...
Na we pita/A plus tard
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