A US political commentator, Dana Loesch, has frowned at Chimamanda Adichie’s position on chivalry. Loesch on Thursday suggested that Adichie, who has been vocal about feminism, “should return to her own country and worry about genital mutilation” instead of calling out sexism in Western culture.
During a Fox TV show, Loesch was asked about Adichie’s appearance on The Daily Show, where she explained the downside of chivalry.“I think gestures like holding the door shouldn’t be gender-based,” Adichie had said.“I’m quite happy for people to hold the door for me. But I hope they’re not doing it because of this sort of idea of chivalry. Because chivalry is really about the idea that women are somehow weak and need protecting. But we know that really, there are many women who are stronger than many men.”
However, Loesch, who is also the National Rifle Association (NRA) spokesperson, suggested that Adichie did not understand chivalry but should instead focus on “weightier matters” like female genital mutilation which is prevalent in Nigeria.
“I don’t think she understands quite the concept of chivalry, which was a code of conduct for gentleman,” Loesch said.
“With all due respect to Adichie — and I’m familiar with her — I think it’s a luxury of third-way feminism to complain about holding doors open for people where her country, Nigeria, it ranks top in the world for female genital mutilation, which I think if far more of a disservice to women and far more suppressive than someone courteously opening the door for someone else.”