Central Argument- As time passes, rude and crude behaviors emerge, and etiquette is disappearing.
Politeness among children is disappearing and words of casual are being used even to elders. Linton Weeks of the Please Read This Story, Thank You, article, says, “The traditional magic words "please" and "thank you" that many people learn as children appear to be disappearing.” The world changes and nothing is expected to stay the same. Today, words like “thank you,” and “please,” are used in numerous and various ways. It has changed. Men call each other by numerous names as they hang out in bars or something of equal; this goes for teenagers as well. Therefore, I disagree that etiquette is not disappearing and instead, changing into something new and modern.
When I was young, I always used to see my eldest brother, a senior in High School, hang out with friends and go out for drinks. They took me along once, and their use of slang, or unnecessary, words surprised me. Although the inappropriate words, they seem to not mind at all. “Thanks bitch,” “You’re welcome ass-hole.” They didn’t seem to mind. Instead, it seemed as if they were telling each other polite words, but in much different and in their own ways. Sometimes, when they use these words, I could not help think of the fights or arguments that may occur between them as their use of “polite” words were extreme.
The change of words is also like the change of hair-style, shoes, clothes or, in other words, fashion. A hundred years ago, fashion was a sign of delicacy, dignity and decorum. It showed the ideals of man. It showed the division of the Rich and the Poor, men and women, and represents class and country. Today, fashion has changed, just like etiquette words. It has not been reduced into nothing, but rather evolved into a more … deeper meaning which is more comfortable today.
When we were young, words had no bad meaning. We never hesitated to say anything, as we knew that nothing we say is wrong. Say for example, “Mom, can I go play with my friend’s balls,” this used to be a really casual and innocent. Today, this has a whole other meaning than it used to. Today, saying these kind of sentences may just make you the laughing-stock of the whole school or amongst friends. Just like how we evolve, even etiquette evolves.
Etiquette is not dissolving, instead, it is evolving into something in ways we have never imagined or noticed. By comparing the evolution of words to our lives and past, allows us to understand the fact that etiquette is just changing, not disappearing.
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