So in case you missed it, Chimamanda Adichie was a guest on Trevor Noah‘s show on Comedy Central last night. And never one to miss any chance to speak on feminism, the award-winning author gave her opinion on a lot of topics including the concept of chivalry.
According to her, the idea of holding the door for a woman just because she’s a woman isn’t one that sits quite well with her. She says that the act is borne out of chivalry and the idea that women are weak, even if in reality there are women who are stronger than men. She also goes on to say that the idea of evacuating women and children when there is some sort of crisis is one that should be done away with; That the focus should instead be on people who are weak and unwell regardless of gender.
Chimamanda Adichie says she has a problem with men holding the door for women and explains why 🤔 pic.twitter.com/QkoUZzhTSe
— 234Star.com (@234star_) June 7, 2018
As we’ve come to expect, her stance triggered a lot of conversation and fierce debate on the internet. See some of the reactions below.
The ones who agree with her…
Well said! Its not about chivalry or feminism. Its about doing what is right and feels good to you. I can open or hold the door for SOMEONE! Doesn’t have to be restricted to only women, elderly ones or children.
— DJ uwa biggs (@Uwapapala) June 7, 2018
Her point is very clear. Nothing problematic or controversial. Yet people will forever be dense 😕🤦🏾♀️ https://t.co/tInFwBcRVP
— Vanzzz 🦋 (@vanemodi) June 7, 2018
She said hold the door regardless of gender. Also said when there’s a tragedy, both genders should be saved. Not just women cause they are “weaker” but frogs in the comments don’t know that cause they can’t spare data on a 1minute Video. https://t.co/OOBTxwYKY4
— April Maeyoncé (@AprilMaeyonce) June 7, 2018
Nothing she said here is even remotely problematic.
Like not only is she completely right (like there’s any other possibility), I don’t even see how it anyone reasonable can’t think it’s problematic https://t.co/QpA2lU5EKS
— Adichie’s Nephew (@__Omotoyosi__) June 7, 2018
What she’s saying actually makes sense…She’s not saying don’t hold the door for women, she’s saying don’t do it because it’s a woman who’s coming, do it for any/everyone..
The idea that the door should be held for women came up because women are thought to be weak https://t.co/Q13oZdrhcS— Y.O. (@yojora) June 7, 2018
The ones who don’t…
Chimamanda Adichie is against men holding the door for women.
How long will it take for Chimamanda to say she hates being referred to as a woman? With the pace of her current meltdown, I’d give her 5 years. I am really rooting for her. pic.twitter.com/fGVIiMQLs8
— Kelvin Odanz (@KelvinOdanz) June 7, 2018
This is the dumbest shit I’ve heard today 😪
— usifo__ (@Oseahumen01) June 8, 2018
The ones who think she’s simply iconic…
Chimamanda is not the first feminist to say that chivalry is sexist. We been knew that already.
I just love how she talks about even the most basic feminist ideals and it becomes a hot topic.
An icon.
— Onye Nkụ (@TheNnanna) June 7, 2018
The ones who think she should just focus on writing books…
Chimamanda needs to focus more on writing books. I understand she might want to be controversial to sell her books but every single time she speaks in public, the more and more she sounds comical & preposterous setting a dangerous paradigm for young lads.
— RPG (@ATM_ReGe) June 7, 2018
The ones who think she’s going through a Kanye phase…
Chimamanda is going through a Kanye phase. A stage in your life where you just want to rebel against the status quo. It’s normal with creatives, but pls apply sense. Even animals have gender roles, it is innate. A female lion hunts for food and the male protects the pride.
— Rotimi Ibitoye (@Timi_Toye) June 7, 2018
Another angle…
In the world of Chimamanda, if it’s raining, and you have an umbrella, but a lady you’re with doesn’t have one, you really don’t have to cover her or let her have it. Doing so makes the lady seem “weaker”. Correct?
— Övie (@OvieO) June 7, 2018
Niggas Chimamanda might just be on our side and we don’t even know…..lately…her standards are getting tougher for our sisters in the Lord. 🤣🤣🤦🏽♂️
— Ferdinand (@Burmese_Tyga) June 7, 2018
Well…
According to Chimamanda, Jack just died for nothing in Titanic. 😊
— Babanla (@biolakazeem) June 7, 2018
And then these ones about Nigerian men…
Nigerian men too are chooking mouth in this opening of door gist like they open door for anybody MAI FREN IF YOU DONT GEROUT OF DEEZ PLAYZ
— Abike (@Jollz) June 7, 2018
The only chivalry Nigerian men know is how to offer you Smirn off ice when they are drinking Big Stout
— Slay Queen (Period Partner) (@duchesskk) June 7, 2018
