Cult Of Honor: Influence Culture
Yes the “Cult of Honor” idea does really influence the culture of the South. White males in the South thought that they had to defend their “honor”. They spent their entire life being courteous and respectful to everyone and expected it back in return. If someone violated them in any way, they would get into a verbal or physical fight with them, sometimes even dueling with them. They thought it showed bravery, dignity, and authority. Anything that challenged the dignity, social station, or “man hood”, would result in them having to defend their honor. But most of all, any insult to a white southern woman was the most important obligation of a southern gentleman.