Prepare for WALL OF TEXT. (Please read... I feel this is well thought out...)
Radical feminism (womyn) is the opposite belief to chauvinism as the Black Panthers were set to oppose the KKK. Both of those groups are mostly defunct now, however there are still many chauvinists out there, and additionaly, men who are completly ignorant to the problems many women face (I'm looking at you bulletinmybrain, specificly what you have said concerning abusive relationships which shows a complete lack of understanding or empathy to the situation.) The purpose of Radical Feminism is to both oppose modern day chauvinism and to educate males (and some females, such as the grandmother who believes it is the womans job to cook etc.) on the current situation/problems of many women and why this or that should be done. To say radical feminism is bad and shouldn't be around anymore would be fine if chauvinism also ceased to exist, however, radical feminism came about as a respone to chauvinism, as women around the globe were and still are being victimized by such beliefs. Radical feminism must exist as this is the current state of things.
As for the holding the door open example, please think about it from the womans perspective before you get offended. On the one hand, you could be just a nice guy and what you are doing could be a gesture of kindness (which is the case) however, on the other hand, you could be a chauvinist, you could be opening the door as a gesture that you are superior.
Think that's a bit of a stretch? Perhaps, however we're talking about perspective here. From her perspective, you have insulted her pride with this gesture just like in other cultures around the world things considered polite here are rude there (such as in the Middle East, the left hand is considered unclean so one should never hand something to someone with their left hand.) Do we make threads about how stupid this dirty left hand thing is? Well, weather we agree with it or not, the point is, dirty left hands and men holding doors open while implying something demeaning are just a different set of beliefs than your own, necessarily, and we should respect that.
Tolerance and understanding are the key words here. From the limited examples you've used and other things you've said (directed at OP) I get the feeling as though you don't have a real understanding of the radical feminist perspective. You should look into the belief more before you make up your mind and forsake any set of beliefs. After all, who are we to tell anyone else that they're wrong if they truly beleive in something.
As for chivalry, let's be clear here. Chivalry is inherently sexist is it not? Why were Knights chivalrous in the first place? Was it not because men were the ones who held power in society, being king's and having the weapons, and women were either abused and used as baby factories or were the subjegated property of their higher class citizen husbands? Women were viewed as the weaker species, and in many senses they were at this time. It is said that: "He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.
--Immanuel Kant, (1724-1804)
Was this not the mind set concerning women and chivalry at the time? That they are akin to small animals, weak and helpless, and they should be cared for and protected by the stronger men? Additionally, humans being selfish creatures, are many men not chivalrous just to prove that they are kind hearted, and the gesture of chivalry may not be actually sincere?
Now, this is not necessarily true, however, it may possibly be the way a woman views chivalry. If it was, could you not see how this could bother a woman? Especially one who is especially proud (which is definatly not a bad thing, feminist or not.)
That being said, on the one hand it is true that "feminism killed chivalry" however is that bad? Chivalry spawned from the fact of women being weaker than men. Shouldn't women, along with other stereotypical gender roles, "outgrow" chivalry? However, chivalry is not inherently bad. But then what is it's place in our society today? What men must strive for if they wish to be chivalrous is chivalry based on respect, not social status or physcial strength. I will just say this. 1.) Not all women want men to be their knight in shining armor. Some women look for this, however some women have goals of independence or ambitions for greatness. 2.) Women do NOT want special treatment. At least no more than any particular person does. Want women want is RESPECT. Why is this so hard to understand? Women go through child bearing and a menstrual cycle and face many other women only problems. For compensation does a women want you to hold a door open for them? "Sorry about all those problems you have that I don't. Here, I'll hold the door open for you."
I believe men have a responsibility towards women. This responsibility includes treating women with equality and respect. When a women doesn't appreciate your gesture and you turn around and call her a *****, all this does is prove your lack of respect! Why is it this women's responsibilty to accept your gesture anyway? The truly correct response to this situation is simply saying "Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you." THAT'S ALL. Argueing with someone when you inadvertently offend them only shows your lack of understanding.
