Chivalry (As You Know It) Is Dead

As society has progressed far beyond the traditional values pegged to chivalry, the gentleman is long due for an overhaul.

- Kames Narayanan

In the lead up to a physical altercation in Kingsman (2015), the movie’s protagonist, veteran sleuth Harry Hart utters “manners maketh man” before he strides over to the end of the bar to secure its doors. “Let me teach you a lesson,” he says, before flicking a glass in the direction of the gang members using only an umbrella. As the stylised fight scene ensues, Hart pivots from point to point in his impeccably tailored suit, taking down his opponents all while maintaining an unfazed demeanor.

When choreographed around Hart’s gentlemanly mien, even an inherently barbaric fight plays out as a violent, yet, firmly polite exchange by manner. On the silver screen, there is no lack of protagonists who are the epitome of a gentleman, both by conduct and appearance. These depictions of chivalrous men are seemingly the stuff dreamed up in literary effusions and cinematic heroisms. Where then in real life do these virtues find its place?

Historically, the construct of debonair is inextricably tied to men who were born into British aristocracy. While social standing was maintained as a requisite at the time, it was not the be-all and end-all. Encapsulating the values of a gentleman was held up on the same pedestal as status. In the contemporary context however, only the latter remains as a barometer.