The Grace Period Has Ended

[OneBlueSky]

For a while we tried to be nicer to one another. Now we need to learn our manners all over again.
By Jack Thomas, Globe Staff, 11/10/2003

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2003/11/10/the_grace_period_has_ended/

"Was it all a dream? Or is it possible, in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, that there was a period when America really was a kinder and gentler nation?

"Can you recall, after the tragedy, that interim when all of us were more courteous? When talk-show hosts were less demonic and political criticism less bellicose? Wasn't there a respite when we turned down our cellphones, when strangers held the door for one another, when people said, "You get home safe!" and really meant it?"

(snip)

"America's recent regression into uncouth behavior has not escaped the notice of those who stand guard to preserve what's left of our sense of propriety, and among them is Peter Post, great-grandson of the grand dame of etiquette, Emily Post, and author of a new book, "Essential Manners for Men."

"The grace period has definitely dissolved," he says, "but it did exist. Any time there's a crisis like 9/11, there's a willingness to forgive things we didn't forgive before. People come together for greater good and think about the other person, which is what etiquette is, thinking about the other person."

"Indications that America has a problem with manners was clear in a 2002 study called "Aggravating Circumstances: A Status Report on Rudeness in America," which was funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts and conducted by the New York-based Public Agenda. The national survey of 2,013 adults found that 79 percent believed lack of courtesy was a serious problem in the United States, and 61 percent said rude behavior was on the rise."

- more . . .

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2003/11/10/the_grace_period_has_ended/

[KoKo]

1. What an interesting Post! Thanks for trying.....the listeners are dead,

unfortunately.....but thanks for trying.....:-)'s

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. PC was a an experiment in civility.

And it failed. Now we can say whatever we want, whenever we want. And the only thing that is certain, is that we grow more and more alienated from each every day.

[teryang]

3. Blame the boomers?

We're dropping two thousand pound bombs on people and we're wondering if we are becoming ruder?

I'm glad the rich and well bred, like our purported *resident who said, "Bring em on," and one of our repugnant Senators who said, "Mow em all down," are holding up on the civility end of the scale. Of course you are crude if you bring up these subjects at a social gathering. Killing for resources and territory is such an unpleasant topic. Why, it is almost as bad as coup d'etats and "conspiracists."

Darling, would you be so kind as to bring me another sherry.

Damn those hippies just ruined everything.

[bemildred]

4. Make sure everybody has enough to eat, basic medical care,

and a decent placed to sleep, and then we can talk etiquette.
What a bunch of drool.

[TXvote]

5. Manners Will Get You In The Door

Interesting that one of the greatest exclusionary tools used by the GOP is calling liberals "rude". There is a high standard of coiffed politeness (albeit, not even vaguely sincere quite often)and it is easy to use bad manners against someone with opposing views.
It is in fact our ability to show some respect through kindness that opens opportunities to dialogue with cloistered conservatives.
Killing them with kindness still kills them, so be as kind as you can possibly be.

Peace,
Teresa
www.votervirgin.com