Thursday, September 24, 2009
Mind Your Manners
Recently, President Obama weighed in and encouraged civility. Lately, we are bombarded by sound bytes and images of notable people throwing civility out the window (ie. Kanye West, Rep. Joe Wilson, and Serena Williams). Is the line becoming blurred in terms of proper behavior and etiquette in society? Why are we seeing such a surge of rude behavior today?
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40 comments:
The line is becoming blurred in terms of proper etiquette in society because there is no punishment for improper behavior. People can get away with being rude because their social status acts as an excuse for their behavior.
Abby Dante pd 2
I think that people should have the right to say what they feel because of Freedom Of Speech, but I believe that there is a way to say what you think in a mannerly way.
I dont believe that we are moving away from civility. It has been acts that could represent this, but it is just a handful of people that have acted out in the past month. As a society, we still understand what is accepted. Sometimes we just have outbursts that are nationally televised that gives that image.
Chris McCormack Period 2
I think it's bad how certain people can go and act totally inappropriately and not feel some sort of consequence. Kanye West, I believe, did that just as a publicity stunt. However, Serena Williams was totally out of line and just because shes one of the best tennis players doesn't excuse her. I feel that people need to be more respectful especially when in the spot light.
Chris Grenzig p2
When it comes to behavior it comes down to an individuals roots; their parents. I believe my mom raises me well enough to know when to behave and when to act out, if necessary. I do believe however that there is a lack in etiquette these days. I believe that people are no longer worried about what other people think about them especially when they are held in the public eye for so long, like Serena Williams.
I think the rude behavior is an act against society in a way to prove something. I am unsure of what, but ..something. Odviously being under the influence of a substance can influence your behavior like Kanye West, but there needs to be an underlying factor. Perhaps a cry for attention? I think so...
The line does seem to be blurred as time goes on. It seems that as time goes on, the "proper etiquitte" allows more and more through that could lead to the things we have been seeing in the news. One person takes it a step further, which becomes the new norm. The surge could be caused by the access to media and being able to watch celebrities 24/7. It seems that they would do anything for attention which has a negative effect on everyone else watching.
I think that the line between speaking your mind and speaking rudely is becoming blurred. People dont know when its okay to say what they want in a proper way or saying something offensive. Especially celebrities who are in the public eye whose egos are becoming bigger then their paychecks.
Lauren Graff pd 2
I believe part of the reason is because as a country we are becoming more divided. So people act certain ways to piss the other side off. Serena Williams situation doesnt really pertain to the situation, as she was just caught up in the heat of the moment
Bryan Martin Per.2
I don't believe the line is becoming blurred in terms of proper behavior. The recent cases of famous and well-known people throwing civility out the window does not represent the majority of Americans. For most people, the line is not blurred and they still have proper etiquette.
Stephen Pulaski Per. 2
The first amendment grants us the right of speech. However, many people have taken abuse of this freedom. Although we are "allowed" to speak our mind, there are still such thing as manners, which are being lost in translation. Many people, notable and unknown alike, have become somewhat "de-civilized". There is a difference between freedom of speech and class. It is feasible to both speak your mind and do it in a way that exudes class. However, many people have thrown away their self-dignity and have only acted on impulse. We are seeing such a rise of impoliteness these days, because of demonstration of improper behavior by these notable figureheads in the media. They are looked to as role models and should lead by example, however, they lately have been failing to do so. Our public has follwed their lead, and in the big picture, we have become a much more "ruthless" society.
Nicole Savastano
PD 2
I think that the main reason people are starting to call out and say things for no reason are, they dont care because they are so famous that a little call out means nothing to them, also it could mean that want there names in the paper.
i think that people act the way they do because it doesnt matter. they know nothing is going to happen to them and they can get away with being rude. most kids grow up not being tough manners anymore so they think nothing of being rude. an example of being rude and nothing happening is kanye when he pulled that stunt at the vmas with taylor, nothing happened to him if anything he got more publishity from it and now everyone forgot he even did it.
The line is becoming blurred in terms of proper etiquette in society because no one cares anymore. People in society have so much anger toward the government they dont care about how they act or anything else for that matter. I believe Obama is capable to making the change he talks about. When that happens things will get better, but until then people will continue to misbehave in society.
Ally Simeone, period 2
Today in society, people are becoming very comfortble with themselves and the place they are in society. From this, famous people have been belligerent and not caring about what their words meant to others. I feel that just because the first amendment states freedom of speech doesnt mean you shouldn't be courteous to others, expecailly if you are famous and are looked up to. They set an even bigger example to the world and by doing things like bash a fellow artist on an awards show is unexceptable. These people need to realize that just because they have a big pocket doesn't mean they should have a big mouth.
I think that for some people the line is becoming blurred. People think that they because they have freedom of speech that they can say whatever they want. They need to realize that while they are allowed to speak their mind they need to do it in a way that is appropriate for society.
Matt Scicchitano Pd. 8
I feel that people should be able to say how they are feeling, but it should be done in a respectful matter. Meaning that a person should not be able to rip apart another. People should give constructive criticism.
Giuliana Modugno 8
I believe that as a society we have to right to say what we feel. I do not think we should ignore our opinions. However, I think recently people have become publicaly outspoken in a rude way because they want to annoy someone. This is not appropriate and they should wait for the appropriate time and place to voice their oppinions. For example, It's not what Kanye west said that what wrong or inapropriate, its where and how he said it that was completely innapropriate.
I think society today makes people more comfortable about speaking their mind, however the more comfortable people are the more they feel they can say without punishment. People take advantage of what they can get away with saying and society today allows this behavior to continue. I think the line has been more than blurred, it has been changed.
Julianne Russo per. 8
I think the same amount of of uncivil behavior is occuring now however it has become a form of entertainment. The public loves to see other people doing things that they themselves will never do. It is these peoples' rights to make these action, but they are lacking in judgement and not many others have taken a strong stand against them to quiet them down.
James Lopialto- Period 2
I believe that the lines between proper etiquette in society are blurred because the high figures in society have become rude by making innapropriate comments. Obama should have kept his opinion about Kanye West to himself because whether it was off the record or not, he is the leader of our country and should not eget involved in petty situations. The behavior or our leader reflects the society inw hich we lvie in in a negative way because he is supposed to be looked up upon.
Christina Link
WFC period 8
People have the right to say what they want. If you are a public figure then you should be responsible enought to know what and what not to say. When you are constantly in the publics eyes everyone you should not act out because the event can be televised and it sets a bad image.
Steve Krajci - per. 8
I think that people have the freedom of speech as long as the words that they say aren’t disrespectful to other people. I think that people believe that they can say what they want without having to worry about getting punished for it; therefore they say whatever they please whenever they want. This disrespect isn’t only seen in teenagers, but is very common to find in children. Today in life, it’s a lot easier to see children talking back to their parents and giving attitude to their parents while around ten years ago parents would have nerve tolerated that. I think it’s sad how children can get away with talking rude to their parents and adults without a punishment sometimes.
Jackie Loveland
Period 8
Recently it has been become more apparent that etiquette and proper social behavior are deteriating. We all have a right to say what we feel if done so in a respectful manner. If someones feelings are effected by a statement made by someone else then that person should not have said anything. People are rude and disrespectful on a daily basis but as more and more celebrities do it the issue becomes noticed it's not so much that we are lossing our civility.
I feel like people should have the right to say literally whatever they would like, no matter how rude it is. If we begin to limit what people say, it is almost in a way controling their opinions and I don't think that is right. It is all about how people present their opinions. It should be done in a respectful manner towards others and their feelings.
It just so happened that these incidents occured so close together and with so much publicity. While Williams, West and Wilson were all slightly out of line, everyone's emotions get the better of them at some point. I don't think it is a current surge of rude behavior, just a general societal trend towards more bluntness and honesty. Society is more accepting of rudeness these days. Politeness today has a much different meaning than it had fifty or one hundred years ago.
Steph Chocko Period 8
I feel like for some people the term of civility is being ignored and in most cases forgotten about. A lot of famous people don't care how they act because they are not worried about losing their fan base, or facing criticism because in most cases when someone does something wrong, they receive more attention. As Nicole made reference to The First Amendment, I agree with how she stated that even though you have freedom of speech doesn't mean that you can say what you want. You need to think before you say something. This is a skill that is lacking in today's society. Many average Americans look towards the media for inspiration and often at times this is what causes chaos. The media is known for taking part in ruthless behavior. Kanye West for example, failed to keep his emotions and thoughts to himself when he interrupted Taylor Swift on stage. This is a true example of how our society has seen a surge of rude behavior and that someone needs to do something in order to curtail it.
Gabriella Sehne Period 8
I think that we are moving away from civility because more people are using they're social status as an excuse for acting rude and not in the proper manner. Even if you don't agree with something, it doesn't mean you can be rude about it. If you don't agree with something, it should be stated in a way that still shows you have manners.
Diana Pacinello Pd.8
I do believe that the line is becomeing blurred because people that have a high social status are getting away with in-apporpriate behavior. And there might be an increase in the amount of rude behavior today because the people of high status don't recieve a concequece for acting badly. Also they've gotten away with it so many times in the past that it's become a habit.
Jaclyn Saggese period 8
I think the line is becoming blurred in term of proper etiquette in society because there is only embarrassment for punsihment. For example Kenya west and Obama will be talk about for 3 days then it's over with. People need to understand that it is never necassary to be rude and cross the line. Others need to be punished for improper behavior. If this behavior grows I dont know what will happen. I already see a change in others.
I believe that certain people have always spoken their minds; if we did not have anyone who said what they thought without a filter, the world would not have progressed in any way. Although some people speak their minds regardless of if they are making positive or negative comments, we need to be reminded of the reformers and movers-and-shakers who have influenced and shaped society. While I do not believe that we are moving away from civility, I believe that celebrities are over-exposed, their weak moments are exploited and taken far more seriously than anyone's nervous breakdown should be. The media glorifies celebrity "feuds" when we should be interested in so many more issues that are truly imperative to society.
Shayna Williams, Period 8
Well, Kanye West is a "Jackass." To the modern New York family that's an accepted term used to describe someone that acts out on impulse even if it is for publicity. Obama; however, is not from New York. He took and oath, signing his name into our nations goverment to set a good example and lead our nation with smart choices of words, and choices of action. New Yorkers- do not set good examples, thats why it's okay and why there hasn't been a President from New York. There are boundries that define what freedom of speech really consists of, and publicly stating or degrading a model of the media is less than a position of even your adverage person. Serena and Kanye- acted out with complete immaturity and unreasonable morals but they aren't considered part of our governemnt, they're people who have achieved their way to the top through talent- not politics; but our what about our President? ..Really?
Kristen Severino
Pd. 8
I believe the line is still there but is being pushed back everyday do to immature comments. People today think less about what they say and most comments wouldn't be made if people calmed down and thought out what their about to say. I also believe that when these figures say such remarks that they are unaware of the effects they have due to mass media. Therefore pushing the limits of what is acceptable.
-Ryan Montvydas
i agree with Abby. Just because of a social status and high number for a salary, people like kanye west can get away with no punishment and people like serena williams get fined an amount that is "pocket change" to them. The media eats up the rudeness and gets the star out into the magazines and giving them more attention then they should get for their behavior. I really feel that no matter what your name is, you should be severely punished for the inappropriate behavior that is taking over our media.
I think the line is becoming blurred in terms of proper behavior and etiquette in society because people feel as though they have the right to say what ever they feel when really that is not the case. There is a nice way to say everything and sometimes people should keep there opionons to themselves. I also think we are seeing so much rude behavior today because no one is putting a stop to it and everyone who says something negative is getting away with it.
People feel that in order to be known or recognized, you have to have improper manners. Many say or do what they feel will make them get there name out there with out regards for others. A big factor for this a lack of punishment for such behavior. We don't do enough to punish these people so they think that they are doing less harm then they really are.
I think that civility is being thrown out the window. When you have people like Kanye West disrespecting a former musician in front of millions of people just to boost his ego, which is just uncalled for and is not proper etiquette. I think that we are being rude and inconsiderate because people are either brought up really immature and with a lot of money or they are crying out for attention. Its just ridiculous how just because of ones status in the world, they think they are better then everyone else.
Kevin Schlakman
Period 2
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