Actor R Madhavan recently shared his perspective on how men of his generation are grappling with changing social norms, particularly regarding traditional acts of chivalry.
Chivalry and Confusion in the Modern Era
R Madhavan, a popular actor known for his roles in films like Minnale (Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein), suggests that many men today feel “confused” by evolving societal expectations. He attributes this to how they were raised, learning gestures of respect from their parents.
In a discussion about his upcoming film, Aap Jaisa Koi, where he plays a man with a “regressive mindset,” Madhavan explained that older generations were brought up in a different environment. While they intend to be inclusive and respectful, their learned behaviors can sometimes be misinterpreted today.
Redefining Respect and Etiquette
Madhavan pointed out that acts traditionally considered chivalrous, such as opening a car door for a woman or standing up when a woman enters, are now occasionally viewed as offensive. He shared instances where women have directly asked him not to perform such gestures.
This shift, he says, puts men in a difficult position, unsure whether to continue these practices. He emphasized that the intention behind these actions is often courtesy, not an attempt to be demeaning or “toxic.” Chivalry, he believes, is undergoing a significant redefinition.
Madhavan also noted that men often perceive their small efforts towards growth as substantial, but these efforts might still fall short, leading to unintentional offense.
Cinema’s Influence on Societal Change
Fatima Sana Shaikh, Madhavan’s co-star in Aap Jaisa Koi, also weighed in on the topic, highlighting cinema’s role in reflecting and shaping societal understanding. She observed that films are slowly adapting as public discourse on issues like toxic masculinity increases.
However, Fatima acknowledged that movies sometimes still celebrate toxic characters, resonating with certain audiences. She believes that if a film portrays a toxic character, it should also clearly illustrate why such behavior is wrong.
Fatima stressed that societal conditioning runs deep, and changing ingrained beliefs, like the concept of “no means no,” takes time. She hopes that gentle education through various mediums, including cinema, can help men understand and unlearn problematic behaviors.
- Traditional acts of chivalry are increasingly being perceived as offensive by some.
- Men from older generations often struggle to adapt to new social norms due to ingrained upbringing.
- Intentions behind actions may be good, but their perception has changed.
- Cinema plays a role in both perpetuating and challenging toxic masculinity.
- Societal change and re-education, though slow, are crucial for evolving gender dynamics.
The conversation around chivalry and modern etiquette continues to evolve, prompting individuals and industries alike to re-examine traditional roles and expectations.
