Survey Results

The purpose of the survey was to determine popular attitudes toward the idea of chivalry, especially in regard to positive cultural and social change.

Not all the results are listed here. A number of questions required opinions or comments which were not transferable to a tabular format. Not all respondents answered every question.

Notable Men's Quotes and Women's Quotes are listed below.

Although our survey remains on-going, we have compiled data for the first 150 respondents. This broke down to:

65 men, and 85 women

Question 1: Does the word "chivalry" convey a positive, neutral or negative image in your mind?

Results:

Conclusion: A large percentage of respondents view chivalry in a positive light. Many of those who checked Neutral made positive comments later on. Although far more negative responses were expected from women, only 4 were given. Their complaints focused on feminist concerns which Chivalry-Now responds to.

Question 6: (This question follows a list of chivalric values, such as Truth, Justice, Courtesy, etc.) Do you find a focus on these values missing in your life?

Results:

Almost more than 3 times as many men said No rather than Yes. The number of women was equal. It suggests that three out of four men feel that the virtues of chivalry already influence their personal lives, while half of the women disagreed.

Question 7: If you were invited to join a similar Round Table today, would you…

Results:

The results from this question are interesting. If there were something equivalent to the Round Table today, and these people were invited to join, more women would "accept without hesitation" than men. This may suggest a higher degree of spontaneous idealism in women, or cynicism in men. The numbers come closer when asked if they would "find the offer attractive and actively look into it," and this represents the largest number of respondents. These are people with their feet on the ground who want to contribute to a force for good, but will not jump in blindly. Approximately the same percentage of men and women considered "looking into it, but only if the information came their way." They find it attractive, but are not about to take any initiative. We have to ask why? The attraction is there, but not the impetus to act on it. Thirteen men and nine women found the idea amusing, but simply are not interested. The last two answers, by far the most negative, represents only nine respondents, eight our women and 1 male. While women responded more positively overall, fewer men (only 1) were able to turn away from it completely.

Question 8: How do you view Camelot as a symbol? Which of the following statements most closely resembles your opinion:

Results:

Another question with interesting results. Less than half of the men and more than half the women feel that the Utopian symbol of Camelot has value for cultural change. The rest, other than 2, are divided into three categories that seem to regret the lack of possibility for change. They do not say it is ridiculous to try, or that they like things the way there are. Their feelings are positive, yet somewhat defeatist.

Question 9: Would you personally like to see men act more chivalrous?

Results:

This final question, following all the others, says it all. Most respondents (all but 15) said that they would like men to act more chivalrous. Whereas one out of six started this survey by saying they had a Neutral impression of chivalry, only half og that number concluded that they did not want more of it in their lives. The survey gave them the opportunity to think about the concept as they moved on from the first question. Their response became more positive.

Conclusion

The results from this survey show that chivalry continues to carry an unspoken appeal to the majority of men and women, even though they live in a world where such ideals are trivialized or completely overlooked.
      The majority of women want men to be more courteous, but in a manly fashion. They want men to be strong, unselfish, self-disciplined and reliable. There is a small minority that holds residual resentment from the early feminist extreme, but their objections do not represent anything significant in light of a new chivalry, modified to be appropriate for today's needs.
      The men are more difficult to categorize. They seem almost innately attracted to chivalry, and many feel that the chivalric ideals are an active part of their lives or inclinations. However, they are more cautious responding to the idealism that chivalry calls for, probably due to many factors, such as past disappointments, cynicism, disbelief that there can be a significantly positive role for men, beyond the drudgeries of work.
      A number of men seemed cautious in their verbal responses, as if they feared women might find chivalry threatening, even though the survey shows most women, by far, want men to be more chivalrous.
      Both men and women long for a world of grace and civility, where gender roles respect differences while comfortably working together. The tone is one of regret or sorrow that the world is not like that. They want something like chivalry, but cannot see how it can exist in today's world. Nothing in their lives indicates that a clear majority of people agree with their longings, and would also welcome change. Our present society delivers the implicit message that there is no room for chivalry anymore, that people don't want it, or are incapable of it-even though the results show otherwise. They feel that the harsh society we live in controls the way things are. Political correctness, the need for a strict but confusing equality among the genders, the dominance of our culture by values centered in greed, seem overpowering. Society has become an economic machine that defines everything from a marketing perspective, from politics to religion, to how we view other people. This has had a dehumanizing effect. We no longer see how we can change things for the better, or shape things the way we would like them to be. We don't even discuss it.
      The surveys reveal sadness and longing for something better, something more satisfying and humane than the mindless consumerism we have today.
      There were some surveys that were incomplete. I imagine the respondents were either rushed or not really interested. A few (very few) obviously held negative concepts of chivalry, seeing it as something that belittles women. Others really did not know what chivalry is all about. For example, a 37 year old female defined chivalry as "King, Queens, Knights and a round table, dancing and wine." What she found appealing was "clothes, and manner speaking." She added the following comment: "It would have been nice to go back in time. We only get one life and God chose this one for me."
      Some of the genuine concerns of the negative comments have already addressed in the evolution of Chivalry-Now, which has updated the concept of chivalry for modern times.

Male Comments—Summary

Both genders tend to identify chivalry with attitudes toward women, stressing courtesy.
      Many recognize other dimensions as well, including common decency; courtesy; self-sacrifice; a code of conduct; integrity; aspirations toward noble goals; bravery; pursuing the high-road; honor; respect; pursuit of an ideal; helping those in need; a more proper society; the proper way to woo; compassion; one of the redeeming qualities of men; living ethically and honestly; if chivalry were adopted it would be a better world.
      A number of men inserted comments suggesting that women should also be more chivalrous, even though chivalry is defined as a male ethic. They want to widen the scope of chivalry to include women as participants. This may be due to concern for equality between the sexes, although some make it very clear that women are sometimes very discourteous, and are equally in need of a formal ethic. Some feel that chivalry is dependent on women's attitudes, complaining that women make it difficult to act chivalrous, by rejecting such acts as opening a door, etc.
      All but six would like to see men act more chivalrous.

Notable Quotes (ages, when available, are noted in parentheses)

• Chivalry is appealing because acting chivalrous makes you feel good; it fills you with a feeling of warmth. Warmth given off by a candle of passion of doing good that is ignited and remains ignited so long as you remain honorable and do good every day of your life. This warmth, from chivalrous acts, makes chivalry appealing. (16)
• Chivarly is following a set of values that you have created that make you a true gentleman, a true man. These values cover everything in life from loyalty to your lord and family to being courteous to everyone you meet. These values, to do good, are in all men and will only truly come out once one has unlightend oneself— the true path to being a man is following a chivalrous path of good. (16)
• I was fortunate in having a grandmother who instilled the virtues of "Chivalry" when I was young. I aspire in everyday life to live the code of Chivalry. All that Chivalry entails is more than appealing, it's the right way to love one's life regardless of what goes on around or happens to us. For me, there is no other way. (57)
• I would also like to see more women allowing men to be more chivalrous. (24)
• Many people I know still espouse these values [of chivalry] and try to live by them in their day-to-day lives. (57)
• It is one of the redeeming qualities of man. (23)
• I have been a fan of Arthurian ideals sine childhood. Should more people adopt them, it would be a better world. (56)
• Camelot is "far" [too] Utopian a term. It does not connote realistic goal, and it failed. (56)
• I believe that mutual respect is one of the greatest things lacking from modern society. (19)
• [I dislike] nothing [about chivalry] but for the fact that people of the 21st century have difficulty relating the tales' messages to their current situations. (62)
• We should continue to strive for the betterment of our fellow beings. This will take courage and fortitude. (73)
• Common decency, courteousness-kindness and thoughtfulness to all. (age not stated)
• Courtesy, general good will and honesty and kindness toward others. (age not stated)
• Being a good human being. (50)
• Chivalry = respect, not domination. Perhaps men think chivalry is a code now outdated, especially since the idea of women's rights and so on. I would say precisely because of that movement, (which I applaud) that acting respectfully toward women is even more important. (54)
• A human behavior involving respect of others, honesty and courage. I would like to see the radical feminists allow men to act more chivalrous. (55)
• Importance of virtues like honesty, good works, courage, humility, respect for women and poor/powerless. (63)
• Chivalry promotes the best in people by pursuing the highest expectations in human behavior. Excellent personal conduct and demeanor toward the world and others, which conduct and demeanor is motivated by pursuit of ideals and not by personal gain. I am wary of that some people who are prone to be pretentious (who are lazy and (?) would not take the ideals. It's never too late. (55)
• Inherent sexism. (21)
• Good idea-this subject. (67)
• Brings order to male/female interaction. [I dislike] women who demand compliance, and the assumption that women cannot care for themselves. (75)
• High moral standards.

Female Comments—Summary

Both genders tend to identify chivalry with attitudes toward women, stressing courtesy.
      Other insights include: politeness; caring about other people; doing the right thing for the right reasons; helping people; acting like a gentleman. They seemed positively aware of chivalry, even though it is a male ethic.
      One woman (who had a very negative view of chivalry) stated that women are not to be honored, but respected. This suggests her concept of being honored is somewhat dehumanizing; i.e., putting women on pedestals. There is a difference between honor and worship, and we have to delineate that.
      All but three female respondents would like to see men act more chivalrous.

Notable Quotes (ages, when available, are noted in parentheses)

• The willingness to stand up for your beliefs, hold others and life precious and do it with respect, grace and dedication. (48)
• The romantic in me would embrace this idea [that Camelot is a valuable ideal that could be used for cultural, social and political improvement]. (48)
• It is the perfect example of living by [the] Golden Rule. (74)
• Chivalry is an attitude of selflessness, in which one does everything possible to keep another safe, comfortable and happy. (74)
• I dislike the fact that chivalrous behavior is dying. (53)
• Seems outmoded-associate with "special handling of women." Despise "holding doors." (53)
• It just feels right. It is an admirable quality. (58)
• The choice is to do the right things, for the right reasons, at the right times. Respect, courtesy and honor. (58)
• I believe we have gotten so far away from the basic courtesies in life-we need to have high ideals and value of what is truly important in life. I think we have drifted so far from this as a society and it is reflected daily in the news… (41)
• …perhaps it [chivalry] could be modified and updated to take into consideration the changing roles of women in our society. (63)
• In many ways, we've become a rude, uncivil society, which saddens me. (63)
• [The appeal of chivalry exists] As long as it is sincere, not for personal gain. (51)
• [What I find appealing] A different time, [when] men were gentlemen. (49)
• Young men today aren't usually growing up to be gentlemen… it's refreshing to see men who possess gentlemanly traits. (32)
• Gentlemanly traits that a man possesses-politeness towards not only women but mankind, a sensitivity and a possession of duty and honor. (32)
• [What I dislike about chivalry] 1) The lack of the expectation that chivalry is the norm. 2) The defensiveness of a man who doesn't portray it. (33)
• Please let it not be too late. (58)
• I think they [chivalrous men] were self-absorbed. People are often rude and extremely self-absorbed.
• The word [chivalry] implies consideration for others. Most men I know are pretty chivalrous. (41)
• If the person is being genuine, chivalry, in moderation, is a nice social grace. [I dislike] when someone is overly solicitous. Act, no. Be socially engaging, honest-yes. (52)
• [Chivalry is] the Golden Rule being acted out. (54)
• The idea of honor and justice and peaceful ways of solving issues. [I dislike] Perfectionism, stress of being perfect can cause anxiety or self-righteousness perhaps. (60)
• An outdated love of country-right or wrong. Freedom and justice as a goal to strive for on a personal and global level. (58)
• Chivalry is a form of courtesy and kindness. (59)
• I think chivalry should also apply to women. (60+)
• A guy taking care of me. (16)
• A man being polite to a woman-holding the door, standing when she enters the room-making her feel welcomed.
• When it's too much, it doesn't feel natural.
• It is interesting to relate the thoughts and beliefs of chivalry and compare them to present day society, societal problems and so on. I would be interested in the comparison and how chivalry could help social problems (22)
• Putting the needs of others before yourself. (36)
• Especially young men/teenagers. (29)
• The promise of respect, loyalty, admiration which is practically nonexistent today. (35)
• I believe that today's feminist movement has probably done the most harm to the idea of chivalry in relation to women. Materialism as well has eroded the idea of "doing the right thing" in today's greater society. (32)
• I equate chivalry with good manners and honorable conduct. If there were more chivalry, the world would be a kinder place. I'd also like to see women behave in a more chivalrous manner. I think it in our obligation to honor and protect one another, in our daily lives, and in a global sense. (57)
• I think there is tremendous value to compare old and new. And "how" to apply in a world with diversity and international context. [Note: this woman claimed to have a negative image of chivalry, and equated the Round Table to the Moral Majority; i.e.: the Christian Right.] (54)