Chivalry.

[Leganoth]

It angers me when people (around my age at least it bugs me the most) when they say "chivalry is not dead" when they know nothing about it or where it comes from. >.> some have no knowledge of the medieval era that started mass chivalrousness

[Sir William]

Chivalry carries different meaning for different people...for some, it comprises the age old custom of helping those less fortunate or less able (whether it is by holding doors, pulling out chairs, giving to charity) but for the likes of us, it is so much more.  However, rather than getting angered at their apparent lack of knowledge, you could try to educate them a little on the subject, thereby spreading the concept further than your sphere of comfort.  At the end of the day, as knights, we are the ambassadors of chivalry.  Were it not for people having even an inkling of it, it would be dead.

[Leganoth]

Chivalry carries different meaning for different people...for some, it comprises the age old custom of helping those less fortunate or less able (whether it is by holding doors, pulling out chairs, giving to charity) but for the likes of us, it is so much more.  However, rather than getting angered at their apparent lack of knowledge, you could try to educate them a little on the subject, thereby spreading the concept further than your sphere of comfort.  At the end of the day, as knights, we are the ambassadors of chivalry.  Were it not for people having even an inkling of it, it would be dead.

True true, but people who do know me call me stupid for buying knight armor, swords etc instead of drugs -__-, kids these days.

[Sir James A]

Chivalry carries different meaning for different people...for some, it comprises the age old custom of helping those less fortunate or less able (whether it is by holding doors, pulling out chairs, giving to charity) but for the likes of us, it is so much more.  However, rather than getting angered at their apparent lack of knowledge, you could try to educate them a little on the subject, thereby spreading the concept further than your sphere of comfort.  At the end of the day, as knights, we are the ambassadors of chivalry.  Were it not for people having even an inkling of it, it would be dead.

True true, but people who do know me call me stupid for buying knight armor, swords etc instead of drugs -__-, kids these days.

I say this in all seriousness; if they say that to you again, kick them in the crotch. Then tell them if they continue to suggest you buy drugs, it would be unchivalrous of you to not continue to kick them in the crotch until they've learned the error of their ways. Historically, in "early chivalry", it was considered proper to steal someone's money if they were using it (or going to use it) for unchivalrous things.

http://livingthehistoryelizabethchadwick.blogspot.com/2010/10/medieval-monday-william-marshal-and.html

And more power to you for rising above. It gives me some hope for future generations.

[Sir Patrick]

Because courtesy plays such a central role in what moderns consider chivalry, I think they mistake the chivalrous person as weak (and therefore deserving of ridicule).  We know better.  The fact you stick to a code in the face of such ignorance poves it.  People like that will drift in and out of your life, so be true to yourself.  And no, chivalry is not dead.  We're here, aren't we?

[Sir Brian]

It angers me when people (around my age at least it bugs me the most) when they say "chivalry is not dead" when they know nothing about it or where it comes from. >.> some have no knowledge of the medieval era that started mass chivalrousness

True true, but people who do know me call me stupid for buying knight armor, swords etc instead of drugs

The ignorant and ignoble are like chaff that tends to blind and bite the one who toils in the fields of life, yet instead of cursing the symptom, condemn the cause and realize they chafe you as does an abrasive stone does a fine diamond so that it may shine all the brighter. 

[Sir William]

True true, but people who do know me call me stupid for buying knight armor, swords etc instead of drugs -__-, kids these days.

Oh, I get it, don't get me wrong.  I've dealt with similar drama since I can remember, since I was a kid, I was always an avid reader, and preferred the likes of King Arthur and Lord of the Rings to cartoons or action figures.  It took me a long time to figure out that I was going to be how I was going to be regardless of what anyone else had to say.  I had what you'd call a defining moment...and once I'd come to terms with my self-image, I was happy.

Do you remember the first time you ever put on armor of any kind?  For me, it was 8 years ago; a mail vest done up in 16ga butted links w/a black cross in the center (using blackened rings)...I remember the first time I put it on and looked at myself in the mirror.  It just felt right.  Even though I had a cheap, satin, witchy type of cape to finish it off, I still wore it proudly to my very first RF (2004); I was apprehensive at first, even tho my gf at the time (now my wife ) told me I looked great and not to worry.  Then I got a few compliments from mundanes who were in attendance.  That was it.

As you yourself may have noticed, this calling grabs ahold of you and you're off into the ether and you can't get enough of it.  I've gone through a lot of weapons and armor over the years...I can honestly tell you nothing else gives me more pleasure (other than family and video games, I'm a sucker for a good game even now lol)...or draws more glances.

Early on, I used to feel slightly embarrassed, like I was doing something wrong- but again, I had my own internal issues that needed to be addressed...once I'd done so, it has been smooth sailing ever since.  Years ago, I would not have stepped forward and sought knighthood...not because I thought it silly, but because I lacked the courage.  Being a knight isn't what it once was...we no longer live in a time where life meant so much more because of the very real prospect of sudden death, be it by plague or chevauchee, we no longer train ourselves vigorously in the arts of war or the court; now it is more of an ideal- something worth living up to.  That is how I look upon it; and when I was given the chance to be inducted into this Order, I jumped at it.  Finally...I get to be who and what I truly am, surrounded by my peers who share the same vision.  We are men, who, espousing the ideal of Chivalry, seek to educate our peers not by instruction, but by example.

One day, God willing, you will stand among us as a knight- I will ask you then, how much weight will those words still hold?  I'll be surprised if you have anything to say other than 'none at all'.  Because they don't.

[Leganoth]

Yeah I guess they would rather do stupider things to make themselves feel..better? happy? i dont know how drugs make a person feel. peoplke should find somthing for themselves thats unique to them

[Sir William]

Unfortunately, not many people desire to be truly unique- peer pressure has a way of tamping such things down til they're no longer recognized.  You see this in any age group, not just teens or tweeners.  In the end, all that matters is whether or not what you do makes you happy- don't worry about the rest of them, let them do as they will.

[Sir Edward]

Prescription medications aside, no one ever drugged themselves into prosperity. It's foolish to expect that a chemical high will in any way be a positive influence in the long-run.

IMHO, people who are attempting to influence you that way are poisonous, and should be avoided.

[Leganoth]

Yeah i avoid them either way

[Sir Wolf]

good on u

[SirNathanQ]

Ahhhh...Oh I know the feeling. As another high schooler who wears armour, I deal with the same problems you are dealing with, Leganoth.

I dealt with the problem fairly early on. I brought a sword in on my second day of school. (it was for a class, I'm no criminal here). No more ridicule. Also what helps is all the demos I've done over the years for the school. About half of the children in my high school have in person seen me use a sword in a destructive capacity. Such things tend to hush up a large segment of the population of potential vocalized morons.

And for those who ridicule you, stand your ground. Chivalry is a path of strength, and a knight on the battlefield is terrible to behold, and is a terror to his enemies.

[Sir James A]

IMHO, people who are attempting to influence you that way are poisonous, and should be avoided.

I want to quote and re-emphasize this. I forget who said it, probably many people, but there's a saying along the lines of "I can judge the character of a man I've never met strictly by the company he keeps."

[Sir William]

Great quote, Sir James.  QFT.