Everyday Manners: Interview About Importance of Good Manners

Interview with Sacramento Press, Allison Joy

Below is an older interview regarding a law in Brussels to promote good manners. When found rude, the offender would be forced to pay a fine.

My View

“At first glance, I found myself thrilled at the prospect of a rude-free zone or city," Black said regarding the story, "That is something I welcome and encourage daily. After the first few seconds, however, I considered the reality of the law. As much as I would like all people to be nice to each other, I do not agree with legislating behavior such as this. Monitoring others’ manners is in itself ‘rude.’

“Etiquette is basically the most common behaviors that are expected when in public. Generally, these rules are learned behaviors. For example, in our society, it is considered rude to step in between two people talking without saying ‘Excuse me.’ We all know this. When the rule is broken, it is regarded as rude and clueless.

When we choose positive actions or behaviors--affecting others in a positive manner—we are using good manners. As opposed to disregarding others’ feelings and behaving entitled, which is ill-mannered.

“It is unfortunate many are unaware of common manners, such as allowing elderly people to exit an elevator first. Respecting our elders seems to be a lost behavior. 

However, in my opinion, the worst offense concerns cellphone use in public.  It appears many are oblivious that when two or more people are together, they should concentrate their attention on each other, and not on a little box.

“Basically, I think most people have good manners or at least try to behave well-mannered," said Black. "Many don’t know what is proper, but they appear to want to know. Of course, when the likes of Angelina Jolie and Sean Ditty Combs take etiquette classes, one should notice that etiquette is ‘cool.’”

Your thoughts?

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