2008 Woodie Awards
Student chivalry is alive and kicking, survey says
Samantha Pysher & Ashley Fox, The Jambar
Issue date: 5/1/08 Section: Campus Life
Chivalry may still be alive, at least at Youngstown State University.
"Chivalry isn't dead. It's on life support," said sophomore Frank Baverso.
The Jambar asked 50 students if chivalry is dead and found that 76 percent disagreed. The survey was taken by 27 women and 23 men.
Freshman Corey Stephens said chivalry's not as big as it used to be. Still, if he's on a date, he'll open the car door.
"I'm not going to throw down my coat over a mud puddle." he added.
Senior Josh Camuso said that he is bothered that some people believe chivalry no longer exists. He said even though there are still people who care about others, those that don't believe chivalry is still kicking have good reason.
Camuso also said he sees chivalry as courtesy, respect and putting someone else ahead of yourself.
"It shows that the person cares a little more by just doing something simple like holding a door," Camuso added.
Steve Ellyson of the psychology department said classic chivalry of the fairy-tale Prince Charming variety has been abandoned in the modern age, but some vestiges survive in common courtesy like opening doors, paying for dinner and pulling out a chair for your date.
"It comes back to, 'If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you,'" Ellyson said.
"Today's gender roles seem more flexible," Ellyson added. An example he mentioned was contemporary dating where "the rules aren't as rigid or stereotyped as they used to be."
Ninety percent of students answered "yes" to the survey question: "Can a girl ask a guy out?"
Of the guys that were asked about common acts of chivalry, most of them said that around campus, girls hold the doors open for them more so than other guys.
The chivalry survey showed that 100 percent of gentlemen open doors for their dates. As far as paying for dinner, 50 percent of those surveyed said the guy should pay. Forty-two percent said the person who initiated the date should pay.
Ninety-three percent of the ladies surveyed expect their date to open the door for them, and 44 percent expect their date to pull their chair out for them.
"You never really see guys opening doors for girls or pulling chairs out for them. Girls do all the cool stuff for guys," Mike Lester, a sophomore said.
Sophomore Jennifer McCallistor said that chivalry is around, but "it's very rare."
"Guys don't seem to open doors anymore or do things that they are supposed to be known for doing," McCallister stated.
McCallister noted that when someone does act chivalrous towards her, she feels good.
"Acting courteous shows that for once they're not thinking of themselves," McCallister said.
"Chivalry isn't dead. It's on life support," said sophomore Frank Baverso.
The Jambar asked 50 students if chivalry is dead and found that 76 percent disagreed. The survey was taken by 27 women and 23 men.
Freshman Corey Stephens said chivalry's not as big as it used to be. Still, if he's on a date, he'll open the car door.
"I'm not going to throw down my coat over a mud puddle." he added.
Senior Josh Camuso said that he is bothered that some people believe chivalry no longer exists. He said even though there are still people who care about others, those that don't believe chivalry is still kicking have good reason.
Camuso also said he sees chivalry as courtesy, respect and putting someone else ahead of yourself.
"It shows that the person cares a little more by just doing something simple like holding a door," Camuso added.
Steve Ellyson of the psychology department said classic chivalry of the fairy-tale Prince Charming variety has been abandoned in the modern age, but some vestiges survive in common courtesy like opening doors, paying for dinner and pulling out a chair for your date.
"It comes back to, 'If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you,'" Ellyson said.
"Today's gender roles seem more flexible," Ellyson added. An example he mentioned was contemporary dating where "the rules aren't as rigid or stereotyped as they used to be."
Ninety percent of students answered "yes" to the survey question: "Can a girl ask a guy out?"
Of the guys that were asked about common acts of chivalry, most of them said that around campus, girls hold the doors open for them more so than other guys.
The chivalry survey showed that 100 percent of gentlemen open doors for their dates. As far as paying for dinner, 50 percent of those surveyed said the guy should pay. Forty-two percent said the person who initiated the date should pay.
Ninety-three percent of the ladies surveyed expect their date to open the door for them, and 44 percent expect their date to pull their chair out for them.
"You never really see guys opening doors for girls or pulling chairs out for them. Girls do all the cool stuff for guys," Mike Lester, a sophomore said.
Sophomore Jennifer McCallistor said that chivalry is around, but "it's very rare."
"Guys don't seem to open doors anymore or do things that they are supposed to be known for doing," McCallister stated.
McCallister noted that when someone does act chivalrous towards her, she feels good.
"Acting courteous shows that for once they're not thinking of themselves," McCallister said.
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