The South Will Bow Again, and Again If You Ask Nicely…

Southern Culture: Outdated or Classic?

Many believe, and have long felt, that manners and etiquette are dying art forms and only relevant in the pages of history books.  However, if you asked someone living in the south, especially the rural south, the general sentiment would likely be quite different.  After all, the notion of 'ma'am' and 'sir' were practically born in the region, and tradition is not only important to the elderly but ladies and gentleman of all ages, one might say.  Yet, even in the part of America most hell bent on keeping sentimentality and values alive, few can deny the decline of 'politeness'.  

Perhaps this downward trend, as many men and women who remember simpler times have offered, is a direct result of the modern family.  Without home-cooked meals and a steady dose of parental discipline and guidance, children are instead being raised by televisions and on a diet of greasy fast food.  On the other hand, is it truly accurate to attribute these current social problems as a direct factor leading to the detriment of common manners?  Such is the debate.

A significant number of adults in the country think that using the titles of sir and ma'am is derogatory or condescending.  Therefore, their children's behavior is not due to neglect but instead very active parenting.  It would also seem somewhat obvious, but worth mentioning, that not everyone outside of the southern states has an aversion to an Emily Post lifestyle.  Cotillions and debutantes are not obsolete in the North, just less of a mindset and more of a hobby.  In that same vein, it becomes questionable whether stringent manners are built conscientiously or fostered by habit.

Some have made the argument that such strict and formulaic social guideposts are merely a tool by which to sugar coat distasteful opinion.  While this is likely true in certain situations, not everyone who swears by please and thank-you has a hidden agenda.  Repetition, environment, and choice (imagine that) are all reasons aside from the negative assumptions, why people young and old insist on holding doors and never forgetting to send out monogrammed thank you notes.  Perhaps instead of embracing change, we should instead embrace our differences--as it is those individual quirks which are the basis of American culture. 

For more on this topic, see the following article:

Southern Manner on Decline, Some Say

I would love feedback, as I know this is an argument which many of you have strong opinions on!  Happy November--hope everyone had an frightfully good Halloween ;)  In honor of the new month, I would like to take the opportunity to quote Wikipedia:

"It is quite common for some males in Australia, (especially in the city of Melbourne) New Zealand, and New Orleans to sport a moustache during the month of November [...] In the United States, it has recently become known as No-Shave November with growing participation from men and women alike to raise awareness of a variety of charities..."

Highlighted are some of the more humorous portions.  Also, Georgina wants to say hi: 

Xoxo,

CARLI