About the Verdict

Overview:

Every blog post explores an ancient custom based upon the code of chivalry. The code of chivalry was popular back in the Medieval time period (500 AD - 1500 AD). It was a list of moral principles noblemen were expected to adhere to, and model their lives after.

Each post begins with an exploration into the historical reasons behind the practice. This is important because no act occurs in a vacuum. The original custom can be thought as a pebble being thrown into a pond. It may disappear but its effects do not. They radiate outwards through history like the ripples in the pond.

When these waves encounter an object they impress upon that object some of the original ideologies/power structures of yesterday.From there the custom itself is explained, and any evolutions in the act (along with the reasoning) is explained. Based upon the aforementioned criteria the act of chivalry is evaluated.

The verdicts:

If the decision is to love the act of chivalry this means this social custom should be reintroduced into society. Basically, people should start doing it again. This is because the custom does not perpetuate any harmful ideologies embedded in its history.

If this is the case and an act of chivalry is deserving of a comeback it means that the custom is no infringing on the rights or dignity of any people involved. Basically, it isn't: sexist, ablest, prejudice, or generally offensive.   

If after exploring the tradition it is decided this practice is better left in the past it will bear the 'leave it' stamp of disapproval. Essentially, its better left in tales of yore where its negative consequences cannot alter the present.

In the case the act of chivalry is better off in the past this means it is offensive, oppressive or harmful to any and all persons involved. Even if on its surface the act is seemingly benign it carries with it an embedded practice of inequality. As stated before, past actions inspire a legacy. This legacy may alter its appearance, or guise and operate in altered ways. But, at its core it still seeks to effect the same outcome: to disempower, or hinder someone's ability to function in the world.