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Lesson in manners
I was impressed with your editorial on civility. Political correctness is not civility and cannot be of southern origin. Civility has been a staple of the South dating back hundreds of years. I mean, really how many books are written about Northern Manners? Down here in the South, we are taught that manners are one of the most important bricks in the foundation of life. Or they used to be taught that way. I have witnessed so many children nowadays that have no idea even what a manner is. They expect adults to cater to their every whim and they are allowed to speak to adults, especially their parents rudely and obnoxiously. Teenagers even treat each other abhorrently.
My granddaughter goes to a large high school and some of the girls there are horrible to her and each other. I’ve heard that it isn’t any better in smaller schools, even ours. I’ve listened to news reports of the suicides by young children caused by being bullied. Have the parents and/or grandparents gotten so caught up in themselves that they have failed to pass on the civility that is so tied to our Southern heritage? Good manners will get and keep a good job, even when someone else may be more qualified. Good manners will draw people to you, even though you don’t invite them. Good manners will bring people back to your store to shop. Good manners make other people feel good about themselves. Good manners allow us to be civil to one another, even when we would rather not. Parents, even if you are rebellious like I used to be, please make sure that your children are taught good manners. It is not too late to start. It does carry over into their adult lives. With it goes love of family and country, respect for one another, peace, and ultimately God’s Golden Rule: loving one another as He loves us.
All of us should practice good manners. Say thank you and please, sir and ma’am, be gracious to those around you, stop long enough to shake someone’s hand in greeting, and see what kind of peace comes from that in just a week. Thanks, again, Kim, for reminding us of this almost lost Southern trait! Sharon Van Baale Jacksboro, Texas |
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