Civility.

[CanuckAmok]

I was just thinking about civility/manners, and how they've changed in the last thirty years or so.


Here's an example: my mom was a life-time smoker (until just recently). She never smoked while driving, or while walking/standing in public. Why? Because apparently ladies don't do that; they smoke at home, in restaurants and lounges, or at the theatre. Whores smoke on the sidewalk.

That sounds so Victorian, but it was only thirty years ago.

[jakefrep]

1. I think in general....

there are too many people out there who think civility, decorum, and basic consideration for others are unconscionable concessions to "political correctness" and (mis)behave accordingly.

[GirlinContempt]

2. I knew it

your mom thinks I'm a whore. *sigh*

[Floogeldy]

3. I don't see that as civility/manners.

I see it as putting on a phony front based on a concern about what others might think.

:smoke:

[CanuckAmok]

7. But some things originated out of consideration for others

Not smoking at the dinner table, for example, or holding open a door for someone else (not necessarily based on gender).

[wildhorses]

4. I remember my father did NOT want me to get my ears pierced

apparently only whores got there ears pierced back then, too:eyes:

[Susang]

5. Wow, where did you grow up?

I was 11 thirty years ago and women smoked in public all the time. Did women really not smoke in public where you lived?

[CanuckAmok]

6. I don't know....

They probably did. All I know is that as far as my mom was concerned, it wasn't done and she didn't do it. It was a constraint she put on herself.

on edit: "I don't know" isn't in reference to your question... I know where I grew up. NYC and Niagara Falls.

[Susang]

8. I guess I don't see that as civility

So much as I see it as following a societal convention. :shrug:

[CanuckAmok]

9. Ultimately, what is civility if it's not following societal convention?

I guess don't see a significant difference between the two. Perhaps "civility" isn't the right word for what I mean.

[Susang]

10. I guess I just don't see how women not smoking in public

Is being civil to others. Or not smoking in her own car. :shrug:

Most societal conventions specific to women have nothing to do with civility, btw. ;-)

[CanuckAmok]

11. Eeep, forget it.

I can totally see this so easily degenerating into yet another gender-war, so I'm going to ask for a lock.

[lavenderdiva]

12. Locking

Locking at the Original Poster's request.