In True Spirit of Feminism, Chimamanda Adichie Voices Her Thoughts on Chivalry and It’s Dividing the Internet Again
The award-winning author and mother of one, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was a guest on popular comedian, Trevor Noah‘s show, The Daily Show where she voiced her thoughts on chivalry amongst other feminism related topics.
On chivalry, Chimamanda says, for example, opening doors for people, shouldn’t be gender-based and women should also open the door for men.
She also spoke about what happens in crisis situations where women and children are usually giving preference to men. She said this shouldn’t be so because there are women who are stronger than men, and as such, priority should be placed on the weak and young not based on gender.
READ ALSO: ‘I just did not get the memo that men and women are not equal’ – Chimamanda Adichie
She told Trevor Noah:
”I think gestures like holding the door shouldn’t be gender-based. I think it’s a lovely thing to hold the door but we should hold the door for everyone.
Like, I hold the door for men and for women. And so I think the idea of someone holding the door for a woman because she’s a woman… I have trouble with it.
I’m quite happy for people to hold the door for me. But I’m like, hope they’re not doing it because of this sort of idea of chivalry. Because chivalry is really about the idea that women are somehow weak and need protecting. But we know that really, there are many women who are stronger than men.”
Speaking of women being thought of as weak and given preferential treatment in crisis situations, the writer said:
“So really, what I think is that the people we should protect are people who need protecting, whether men or women. Which is also why I sort of have trouble with the idea of women and children.
When women are classified in the same… I mean, when there’s a tragedy and we say, women and children should leave first. I think, actually, it’s the people who are weak, unwell, young… who should leave first.”
Chimamanda Adichie has come under Nigerian public scrutiny in recent times not for her books but for her views on feminism.
Her recent statement on Chivalry has generated rather interesting opinions on social media.
One of the numerous people who has since reacted to her claim is the popular EME Boss and actor, Banky W, who got married last year.
For most people who know the singer, he is one who loves to pamper and celebrate his wife, Adesua Etomi Wellington, and the act of opening the door for her isn’t entirely new.
Banky has since noted that he doesn’t agree with Adiche on this note, neither did he agree with the controversial post she made on Hilary Clinton’s bio (read here).
According to Mr Wellington, Chivalry is carried out not because women are a weaker sex but because some men just want to gentlemanly and romantic.
Check out Banky’s reaction here;
What do you think?
I do not agree with her either.