Courtesy is the mother of convention
Gaston de ROSAYRO
All socially acceptable behaviour is rooted in culture. As a society
develops, somewhere along the way the majority of people agree upon
acceptable ways for everyone to behave. In many cultures, this is also
typically determined by class level and ethnicity.
Within civilization the world over, good manners have always been
important. Manners and civilization have always been inherent in every
society. Every civilization has had its own code of etiquette, its own
foundation of courtesy. Societies in diverse regions and states have
different cultures. What is acceptable behaviour in one may not be so in
another.
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However, the interdependent global environment of the 21st century
has blurred divisions between cultures and diverse groups, and the
basics of good manners and etiquette are merging to reflect a common
belief in the importance of showing general respect for others.
Socialization seeks to encourage desirable behaviour and discourage
objectionable behaviour in humans. What is desirable and what is not is
where the social culture comes into the picture. Social culture is
exercised in many ways to ensure that people conform to accepted
patterns of behaviour. This behaviour forms the social norm.
Breaking a society’s norms usually invite negative responses such as
disapproving looks, ridicule, abuse, isolation, disciplinary action,
punishment or even violence. If you don’t know how to play the role
expected of you, you could be labelled mad. Adhering to social norms and
playing your roles correctly could be rewarded with popularity or even a
high status in your society.
Manners and etiquette rules from the past based on common courtesy
and human respect still seem to apply, and in many ways, those rules are
more applicable than ever because communication is so readily available.
When it comes to proper social behaviour, core values based on basic
consideration of others are what is considered acceptable in most social
settings. People often judge a person’s character and status by his or
her behaviour in public. It’s not only polite to have good manners and
etiquette, but it’s also crucial for getting along in most social
settings.
Following acceptable manners and etiquette can also make a difference
when it comes to business and moving up the ladder at work. Take manners
and etiquette classes if you’re not sure about proper social protocol
when you’re interacting with others.
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Although sensitivity training can teach you how to empathize with
others in your immediate environment, manners and etiquette classes that
teach you cultural awareness are particularly valuable in an
international environment, especially if you work for a global
organization.
For example, certain international schools offer training in how to
address others in foreign countries and what to avoid saying or doing to
keep from offending international colleagues.
Etiquette is simply a code of behaviour based on consideration and
thoughtfulness. It is practical advice for everyday living, providing a
sense of order. It is a sensitive awareness of the needs of others.
Etiquette is not optional among civilized people. However, the concept
of appropriate social behaviour is actually an evolving system of
guidelines intended to facilitate comfortable and enjoyable interactions
between individuals and groups.
As the speed and amount of interaction has increased with the use of
technology and global travel, the need to understand and use social
manners has become even more critical. Using email and working
collaboratively with colleagues in other countries means many more
opportunities to offend or be offended. Despite this trend, social
manners and etiquette are still warranted and expected in all
situations.
There are no hard and fast rules or laws on the subject of etiquette.
In a nut shell, having good manners is showing courtesy and
consideration for other people at all times in all circumstances,
putting yourself in their shoes and thereby not being offensive, rude or
disrespectful. Manners have evolved from customs, protocols and
conventions.
This process is common to all countries and cultures and has
developed over the ages to ensure a harmonious society. They are even
enshrined in the Ten Commandments!
These rules differ between countries and cultures but nevertheless
are there to ensure a peaceful coexistence between people thus creating
a society that respects the rights of others. This is the foundation of
order and trust as opposed to chaos and crime.
Cultural differences in social manners and etiquette go beyond
language and the question of shaking hands, kissing or bowing.. Though
most rules of social manners are unwritten, increasing global
interaction has given rise to books, videos and classes that instruct
users on how to be respectful of and show interest in other cultures.
Values, norms and roles make social life easier. When one knows what
is expected in different social situations, one can behave in a
confident manner. Shyness and awkwardness usually result when one is not
sure how one is expected to behave in a particular situation.
Good manners and etiquette are not complicated. Anyone can
demonstrate courtesy and consideration for others, the stuff of which
good manners are made, without knowing the specific rules of etiquette.
And no one is born knowing those rules. They are learned gradually, at
home, in school, at work, and in everyday contacts with both friends and
strangers.
Our manners are only a surface indication of what is underneath. What
you are is more important than what you appear to be. More important
than which fork to use at a dinner party is the type of dinner partner
you are.
Are you enjoyable to be with? Do you make your dinner partners feel
important, valued, appreciated and comfortable? Courtesy and etiquette
are the underlying principles for behaviour among civilized people based
on respect, decorum and ethics.
People in any society don’t give a tinker’s cuss of how much you
know. They don’t care how rich you are. They just need to know how much
you care and respect them.
And that type of consideration about others is what manners are all
about. It will improve your relationships with people immeasurably when
you show them that you care about them! Courtesy then is the mother of
convention. Manners and Etiquette are what distinguish us from the apes,
and a good many of our fellow human beings too.
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