Time Magazine article re: Manners

[Sachet]

The February 20th issue of Time has an interesting article (page 52) on how many colleges are offering classes and some fraternities are requiring courses on manners, to help battle binge drinking and to promote healthy living and self-respect.

* Oregon State has their Balanced Man Program, where there has been a 50% reduction in alcohol-related incidents over the past five years.
* Sigma Alpha Epsilon offers a True Gentleman Program.
* Beta Theta Pi provides Men Of Principle.

One of our local high schools has had very encouraging results with their Dress for Success program.

It seems that people are re-discovering what was common place normal behavior in earlier decades is of great value, after all.

Imagine that.

The future is looking brighter.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Well that's certainly good news.

I read an article somewhere a while back about how rude we have become in this country. It's about time people got back to traditional politeness. I tend to blame the media, ( my apologies to any media people in this forum ) as the media in general tends to promote a sort of, in - your - face, egotistical rudeness as "normal" behaviour instead of a genuine concern for the feelings of others. I hope this is the start of a "new" trend.

 

[Andykev]

When in Rome, do as the Romans. But their Empire fell..

100% agreement here. You have had a generation of parents who have relied on the established schools, et. al. to raise their children for them. How many parents have worked two jobs (both parents), for the sake of "their kids" to provide for the family? Gee, how about being there in the first place. Well. I am glad we are possibly headed back to the realm of "respectablility".

This "anything goes" society has to stop. Maybe there is the spirit of some Roman Leigonaire from centuries ago, wishing the same thing from his grave.

 

[Sefton]

Perhaps passing a manners course should be a requirement to be allowed to graduate....

I don't think any of the teenagers that I see on my daily commute go to any of the schools that offer a manners class...

 

[mysterygal]

it's about time! I'm glad to hear it, but thinking about it, it makes me kinda sad that still, we're leaving it to the schools to teach our kids what should be implemented in the home...as parents we are a major role model, and I think many parents take that role way too lightly

 

[shoeshineboy]

my friend's son started his mba and when he commited to it, his professor took him to his side and told him from now on he had to dress business casual when on campus and was signed up for a manners class. Including proper dining etiquette. When asked why, his professor told him that in his future job he will be dining with many high powered clients.

His dad and I laughed...not at the training but looking at the two of us...two old fat country boys....

mark the shoeshine boy

 

[jackiemanni]

I wish they would institute something similar at the University I work for! I can't tell you how many students have not only been rude, but have yelled, threatened, thrown chairs (!!!) etc. when they have not gotten the classes they have wanted, needed extra paperwork filled out, and things of that nature (I work in the Registrar's office). Sadly, we have many rude and screaming parents, so I know where the students get it from. It seems like they do not teach manners and kindness, but "dog eat dog" and "you have to be aggressive to get what you want" sort of philosophies to the children.

Last year I was a chaperone at the graduation party and it was completely out of control with drunkeness! We even had students passed out (thankfully the nurse was also a chaperone). It was so bad that we are only having one hour of alchohol this year because clearly, the students cannot handle it.

I work at an art school so a dress code wouldn't really be appropriate - not only for practical reasons like art is messy but that these are creative people and I like their wacky and unique outfits!!

Jackie.

 

[GA Wildlifer]

Dress Code

I went to a small liberal arts school which has a student enforced dress code. Professors cannot enforce it unless they are allums or grew up in the town. Men wear coats and ties to class and women wear skirts and dresses. It waxes and wanes with the times but is generally followed. I thought it was crazy when I got there, but it has served me well. I think it adds a seriousness to the atmosphere that I have not found in other schools I have attended ( and there have been plenty. My wife says I am finishing for good.). Plus, it prepared me for life after school. Isn't that the point. Of course, now I have changed careers and rarely wear a coat and tie to work, but I don't feel I am playing dress up when I do need to either.

As for manner and common courtesy, they have gone the way of the dodo. I think many people have misplaced their common courtesy in the same place as their common sense.

Wait! I am to young to be a curmudgeon!

 

[LolitaHaze]

This made me happy to read... it is about time "social circles" held people responsible for their behaviors and demanded simple politeness.

You wouldn't believe the looks I get when I am at a restaurant and I say, "May I please have..." I have people look at me with shock and amazement that I asked politely and didn't demand (I want a...).

I wish they taught old school etiquette classes. I saw on Oprah (or something of the like) that had women who taught updated manners class, but from what they were teaching, it still seemed a bit self-serving in my opinion. So instead I find old etiquette books from the 30s-40s and try to learn from there.

 

[cherrypinupgal]

I agree with the sentiments in this thread. It really is appalling how common courtesy has fallen by the wayside. My 3 year old astounds people with, "May I please" or "No thank you". I find that a very telling sign of the times.

My mother always stressed good manners growing up. She sent me to a summer camp charm school when I was around 9 or so...and that was in the 80's..lol. I also remember having etiquette lessons in my 5th grade class.

 

[jamespowers]

100% agreement here. You have had a generation of parents who have relied on the established schools, et. al. to raise their children for them. How many parents have worked two jobs (both parents), for the sake of "their kids" to provide for the family? Gee, how about being there in the first place. Well. I am glad we are possibly headed back to the realm of "respectablility".

This "anything goes" society has to stop. Maybe there is the spirit of some Roman Leigonaire from centuries ago, wishing the same thing from his grave.

Ah yes. I think Cicero said it best in regard to the Legionaire:
"Not to know what has been transacted in former times is to be always a child. If no use is made of the labors of past ages, the world must remain always in the infancy of knowledge."

In regard to manners:
"A mind without instruction can no more bear fruit than can a field, however fertile, without cultivation."
All of this said over 2,000 years ago. :arated: Fads are transient. Genuine wisdom is timeless.

Regards to all,

J

 

[Tin Pan Sally]

Deportment Department

A college course in manners? Isn't it a little late by then? Better late than never, I guess.
Is there a course in values and self-respect? If so, I'll fund a scholarship.