While traveling on any kind of public transport, it's sort of a given that, if an elderly person or someone with a health issue comes along, you should give up your seat for them. But, should men give up their seats for women?
In the age of feminism, many argue that the age-old idea of "chivalry" has now become more confusing than ever, with men feeling like they don't know whether they can "be the gentleman" by opening doors or offering help to women.
Well, during a national television debate surrounding feminism and chivalry, one man came out and said that he would rather not give up his seat for a woman on public transport because women "never do the same" in return.
The debate was sparked by a tweet posted by American feminist writer, Caroline Rothstein, who refused to let a man help her with her luggage - and the issue has since spread like wildfire.
With so many varying opinions, the debate has become pretty complex, so keep scrolling to unravel this issue and see whose side you're on.
For decades, men have been expected to adhere to the rules of chivalry.
The social code that originates from the early twelfth century expects men to display a certain level of "politeness" towards the opposite sex.And the social norms that come along with chivalry are certainly alive and well in modern-day society.
But times have changed massively since the term was first coined.
It can be quite a complex affair in the modern world.Some argue that it's taken on a different form entirely.
The rise of feminism has certainly had a part to play.
And this mainly comes from one particular notion...
In fact, some people claim that the movement has killed chivalry all together.
@koreanjewcrypto Chivalry is dead and its feminism that killed it— shaki (@shaki)1565097872.0
And it seems like some men are pointing their fingers at the #MeToo movement as the main culprit.
But where do we draw the distinction between chivalry and simply being polite?
Feminism hasn’t killed chivalry. I’ll always hold a door open for someone, regardless of gender #goodmorningbritain— mr brightside (@mr brightside)1565162095.0
It appears to be a complex issue for many and there isn't a shortage of strong opinions out there.
The reality is that there has been a War on Boys for 30 years through “social science” tyranny and lunatic feminism… https://t.co/UhBKnIciJR— Alexander Cortes PhD, Fitness, Nutrition, Fat loss (@Alexander Cortes PhD, Fitness, Nutrition, Fat loss)1564745758.0
Last month, a feminist writer sparked an international debate with a controversial tweet about the topic.
American writer, Caroline Rothstein, penned a tweet citing an encounter with a male stranger on a plane, who offered to help her with her luggage. The tweet went viral and massed thousands of responses. Spoiler alert: many people weren't too happy with the tweet.Here's the tweet in question...
Saying, “No thank you, I got it,” to the middle-aged white man on the airplane who offered—and began—to take my sui… https://t.co/slM3ncet7h— Caroline Rothstein (@Caroline Rothstein)1564604266.0
The writer was slammed for ridiculing the stranger, who was likely trying to just be polite.
@cerothstein Yes, thank Caroline. You're the sort of insensitive, ridiculous person we need in today's uncaring soc… https://t.co/iZ45ibgYRi— 💧Maggie Mae 🇦🇺🇦🇺Maggie300 #OzParler @Maggie30 (@💧Maggie Mae 🇦🇺🇦🇺Maggie300 #OzParler @Maggie30)1564960741.0
Others believe that she's giving women a bad name.
@cerothstein I love a gentleman. It’s called manners. You give women a bad name. Don’t listen to her, guys!!! Mo… https://t.co/iATsZnJI4b— Cornwall7000 ⛵️🐕 (@Cornwall7000 ⛵️🐕)1564921913.0
The tweet has garnered so much attention that, this week, a national television debate was held about it.
Dhaliwal claimed that the events described in the viral tweet are "confusing for guys."
He then went on to say that men shouldn't give up their seat on public transport for the opposite sex.
The journalist said that, even after being injured, a woman has never given up her seat for him.
He then took his point further by pointing out that men and women pay the same train fares.
Although he did admit that there are exceptions to his stance.
When it was time for feminist and comedian, Noreen Khan, to have her say, she made a good point.
The feminist also said she would never expect a guy to give up his seat for her.
Of course, it didn't take long for the reactions to start pouring in on Twitter.
@MetroUK There are seats clearly marked to be given up for elderly/disabled/pregnant people, other than that I woul… https://t.co/hYx52LycyT— Rattler (@Rattler)1565244584.0
Many women agreed that they wouldn't expect a man to give up their seat for them.
@MetroUK Why does it have to be an expectation? I don't expect anyone to give up their seat for me just because I'm… https://t.co/En9qVejpCm— Dani California🎶 (@Dani California🎶)1565244762.0
Of course, there were a handful of people that disagreed.
@MetroUK How does he know who an able-bodied woman is? Even an able bodied woman could be having a terrible per… https://t.co/I2ezLFkz8H— Jiski (@Jiski)1565247577.0