During the colonial era in the United States, civilians acknowledged “gentility” and etiquette to be very important. Gentility is a form of power induced by manners, behaviors, and appearances (Bushman, par. 9). Colonial civilians based their daily errands on genteel behaviors. The genteel actions and forms of living of the civilians, not only represented the statuses of the civilians in the community, but also their characters. Today in America, etiquette behavior has decreased and is one of the main causes for social problems. In order to adapt a civilized America, etiquette morals should be applied in every American household. By so, children need to be taught about the importance of manners, which also assists on improving societies’ social problems.
In the past, as far as colonial times, etiquette and manners have played important roles in the American society. At young age, children were required to memorize and study etiquette books. Etiquette behavior was very important during that time in America, since it determined the advancement of individuals in society. “The demand for the etiquette manuals was immense because so many Americans were at once unsure of themselves and, [sic] characteristically, determined to improve” (Bushman, par. 34). Unfortunately, this sort of “requirement” amongst American families has diminished. Certainly, there are few households in which proper manners are being taught, but it is not always the case. Liberal, outspoken, and sometimes even careless children are being raised in societies today. It is uncommon to walk around a neighborhood and politely salute a stranger, for it is viewed as harassment. Likewise, Richard L. Bushman along with James A. Morris, both argue that the deterioration t...
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...ive they will portray themselves to others. Proper and etiquette behaviors can open up plenty of doors for the future, but can also deteriorate good opportunities for a successful future for individuals. “Politeness goes far, yet costs nothing” (Smiles).
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In Thorton Wilder’s classic play about life in a small town, no other two characters share so much in common with one another as Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Webb do. Their purpose in the story, on a figurative level, is to represent the monolithic thinking of a small town. Emily Post, an American etiquette authority of the early 1900’s, said, “To do exactly as your neighbors do is the only sensible rule.';
Divine, Robert A. America past and Present. 10th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education/Longman, 2013. 245. Print.
... An American History of the World. 4th ed. of the book. W.W. Norton, 2012, 671. 2.)
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Worthern has created a sincere and serious tone to persuade her audience the importance of etiquette. The use of word choices like “stand up”, “vigilant defense” and “protect” shows her passion of establishing etiquette to include the “disempowered minorities” as well as to be the “guardians of civilization” due to the positive and protective connotation of the words. She also adopts a calming and informative tone to explain the significance and historical background of maintaining a respectful environment for both students and professors instead of creating an authoritative tone to doctrine and warn the students to discontinue their improper behavior. On the other hand, Wade adopts a demanding and sarcastic tone insisting upon the reader the proper behaviors of college students through colloquial language. The use of colloquial language although is effective because Wade’s intended audience is direct to students, she begins her list of “10 Things Every College Professor Hates” by the admonitory word “Don’t” which creates a satiric mood for the whole article. Wade coerces the reader to admit and accept her argument by appealing to the audiences’ guiltiness and criticizing the audience’s behaviors in academic environment. For example, “No, you didn’t miss anything
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Not only did the young ladies need to dress elegantly to obtain a wealthy husband, they also had to have appropriate manners. Mrs. Hammond, after the death of her husband, devoted her life to educating her daughters in how they are to properly conduct themselves. Her reasoning for this was a typical one: to make others believe they were an established family of wealth.
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"The most beloved of Allah’s servants to Allah are those with the best manners." (Al-Bukhari)”.