I have refused to let myself get sucked into the paparazzi frenzy that has pervaded our culture over the past several years. As a former Publix cashier, I would see these magazines up and down my register for eight hours a day that talk about the latest celebrity gossip, how to please a man seventy-two different ways in bed, and how to get a woman into your bed before the night is over. All of these topics are things that people would try to discuss with me as I ring up and bag their groceries, making the false assumption that I care the least bit. Some of my customers would then say, “Where has all the chivalry amongst men gone? Where is the self-respect amongst women?” The truth is, the media wants you to believe those ideas are a flame in the wind.

A few days ago, I had an encounter with an elderly woman and who I assumed was her middle-aged daughter. I was on my way out of Panera Bread and they were on their way in, so I held open the door for them like my mother taught me while growing up. The ladies looked at me, thanked me, and then said, “You’re such a gentleman. Why aren’t there more men like you?” The truth is, the majority of men are like me. The majority of men are courteous and gentlemanly towards women every single day. At least, I like to think so.

The problem is that if there were no controversy in the world, the paparazzi would be left without jobs. So when a few sour grapes, such as a Chris Brown or a Ben Roethlisberger, are thrown into the public eye for their atrocious actions, suddenly “all” men are disgusting pigs. The truth is, most, if not all, men see those types of men as vile and despicable creatures that unfortunately plague this Earth. It disgusts me when I hear that “chivalry is dead in all men.” I realize that there are some repulsive men out there: men who beat women, men who drug and rape women, men who are habitual liars. However, most men will take action and not tolerate that type of behavior, something I have personally seen displayed several times during my short time here at Florida State.

A few months ago was the award show where Miley Cyrus made a complete and utter fool of herself on stage. Her performance was laughable, if not cringe-worthy, (note: I have refused to see the full video. All I have seen are animated GIFs and Vines, which I feel is torture enough). Again, the question was raised, “Where is the self-respect among women?” This is something that the media has cultivated and nurtured within our society. I firmly believe that the majority of women out there, teenage and college girls alike, saw that performance for how I described it and find it reprehensible, if not inexcusable. However, there are, like men, sour grapes among the female population. I do not believe these few woman best represent the majority of women. If I were to label all women based off the ones that have come and gone in my life, I would say most women are gentle, honest, (sometimes too honest!), and generous. Never, and I mean never, would I say that the majority of women do not have a high sense of self-respect. In fact, I believe the exact opposite: almost all women hold their self-respect in very high regard.

Bottom line; do not let the actions of a few define the supposed actions of the many. To say that “chivalry is dead” or “women have no self-respect” is a notion that the media wants you to believe. Why else would they highlight filthy shows such as Jersey Shore? Thank God that is cancelled. Hopefully the next thing to get cancelled is the paparazzi media.