Making manners matter

- January 19, 2011

Etiquette expert Karen Mallett says she believes our society is in the throes of a "crisis of civility," a climate in which everyone seems to believe they must speak their minds.

“Instead of being taught to be nice to people, to be kind and considerate, we’ve taught our kids to stick up for themselves, not to let anyone walk all over them,” said Ms. Mallett in an interview. (SEE DAL NEWS STORY: A crisis in civility).

“That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it leads to people telling people off, honking horns and butting in.”

In the United States, the issue has come into sharp focus with the mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona that left six people dead and 14 wounded, including U.S. congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Some point to the vindictive tone of debate in the U.S. for contributing to the shootings.

So, let's discuss. Do you feel Canada is experiencing a "crisis of civility"? How can we improve civility in the classroom, on campus and in our daily interactions?


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