[DFT] Fw: [ChivalryToday] Chivalry in the News

[Seanan]

 From the Chivalry Today News Desk
By Scott Farrell
©2004, Shining Armor Enterprises
www.ChivalryToday.com

The Code of Chivalry isn't something confined to ancient history and
fairy tales. Here are some stories in the news that demonstrate what an
important role chivalry plays in our lives today. Follow the links at
the end of each story to get more details - then discuss and explore
these concepts with friends, family members and co-workers as a means
of bringing chivalry to life in the modern world.

*Chivalry in Iraq*
Recent stories coming from American detention centers in Iraq have
brought renewed focus on the subject of mercy, and of the importance of
protecting the defenseless. We all know "war is hell," but stories of
American soldiers abusing helpless detainees raise several issues that
pertain to chivalrous behavior:

1) These accounts remind us of the importance of unquestionable valor
and nobility, because the heinous actions of a few can ruin the
reputation of many (and that's truly what's happened here - thousands
of honorable G.I.s have been given a black eye by the deplorable acts
of a very few individuals). In business, sports or the classroom, our
own reputations can be stained simply by condoning the unsavory
behavior of others.

2) These stories have caused us to recall the importance of maintaining
honor when encountering an adversary who has none. Although American
troops are dealing with terrorists and assassins, the incidents at Abu
Ghraib prison demonstrate the hazards of "taking the gloves off" and
"fighting fire with fire." Will the G.I.s who took part in those
atrocities be able to look into the eyes of their spouses, children and
friends (or even look in the mirror) when they return home? In placing
boundaries on aggressive behavior, the Code of Chivalry protects us
from actions we'll later regret.

3) Finally, these accounts have reminded us that individuals who live
by the Code of Chivalry hold themselves to the strictest standard of
justice. The soldiers accused of dishonorable behavior are now facing
court martial - even though they can rightfully claim that their
behavior was "no worse than the enemy's." Looking in from the outside,
we might perceive this as unfair, but living by the Code of Chivalry
(as military personnel do) demands the most rigid adherence to rules
and conventions. The greatest threat to justice is for the strong and
powerful to begin to believe they're above the law.

How do the accounts and photos of prisoner abuse affect your perception
of honorable behavior?:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi
-0405100186may10,1,3494051.story

What are your feelings about the soldiers involved in these incidents
being brought to court martial?:
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20040510/D82FQ0G00.html

*Chivalry in the Classroom*
Here's yet another reminder of the value of noble behavior. Study after
study shows that the prevalence of cheating in schools is on the rise
at every level - from grade school to the most prestigious
universities. Students' internal restraints against success by
unethical means seem to be getting weaker every day.

We can blame TV, Hollywood or video games for the erosion of children's
ethics, and there is certainly a degree of validity in such claims. But
children may be receiving even stronger messages about cheating from
other sources.

They may be taking lessons from coaches who tell them that breaking the
rules on the field is acceptable when officials aren't watching.
("You've got to push the limits when you're really playing to win.")

They may be following the examples of adult role models (possibly
including their parents) who use distasteful or even illegal behavior
to get ahead in business. ("You gotta do what you gotta do to make a
living.")

They may even be emulating teachers they see who skirt campus policies
and deal dishonestly with school administrators. ("Budgets are tight
and I'm just trying to get the things I need to teach my kids.")

Of course, there are plenty of honest, chivalrous coaches, parents and
teachers out there who set noble examples for children, but the
prevalence of cheating in the classroom highlights the dangers of
trying to teach kids "situational ethics" - that is, claiming that
lying, cheating or stealing can be confined to a given situation.
Children are very perceptive, and are remarkably good at adapting the
principles they learn in one arena into every aspect of their lives.

What methods do you advocate for strengthening students' integrity in
the classroom?:
http://www.thesandiegochannel.com/education/3254035/detail.html

*Chivalry in Iraq II*
When Thomas Hamill, a civilian contractor working in Fallujah, was
abducted on April 9, he suffered a gunshot wound to the arm. Three
weeks later, he escaped his captors in an amazing story of courage and
strength of character.

But Hamill isn't the only one in this story whose chivalry is worthy of
recognition. During his captivity, Iraqi doctors gave him food, water
and medical attention. This is the way chivalrous people treat one
another, even in times of conflict - with honor, respect, dignity and
mercy. It's a reminder that the Code of Chivalry isn't the exclusive
territory of any nationality - and that's a concept worth applauding.

How does the thought of mercy at the hands of an enemy change your
perception of the "rule of engagement" in war, in a professional
battle, or in other arenas of conflict?:
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20040504/D82BPFFG0.html

= = = = = = = = = =

NOW AVAILABLE: Scott Farrell's audio presentation, "Bringing Chivalry
to Life." This 50-minute CD brings the principles of chivalry and the
Seven Knightly Virtues into the modern world through a variety of
historical quotes (from authors like Geoffroi de Charny, Imad ad-Din
and Howard Pyle) and contemporary observations. Audio tracks include:
- The Modern Melee
- Like Unto King Arthur
- The Knight Manager
- The Mission of Knighthood
Plus six other discussions on the value of Chivalry Today. Order your
copy of this CD at the "Catalog" section of the Chivalry Store - in the
left-hand navigation bar at www.ChivalryToday.com

= = = = = = = = = =

Readers are permitted and encouraged to share this article with others
as a way of furthering the understanding of the Code of Chivalry in the
modern world. Scott Farrell's seminars on chivalry and the knightly
virtues are available to businesses, schools and civic organizations
throughout the Southern California area; more information can be found
on our website. Please include all copyright statements and
attributions when forwarding Chivalry Today articles. Copyright 2004
Scott Farrell and Shining Armor Enterprises. Visit our website at
www.ChivalryToday.com .