Date: Thu, 23 Oct 1997 22:01:32 -0400 From: CARRIE SUSANN ADDINGTON Subject: Re: Politeness (Was: Bless You) On Thu, 23 Oct 1997, Andrew & Diane Lillie wrote: Andrew and Diane, Precisely! you are on the same wavelenth as me. The debate is considering the definition of politeness. It obviously means something different to everyone. Saying "you're welcome" is polite in my manners but for you it may not be. Well, this society today needs to be a little more open-minded, and as I said before a little less selfish, and respect whatever manners and "polite gestures" offered towards them by other individuals. Open-mind! > On the topic of politeness, I believe the real debate is a difference in > the definition of what is "polite." To some, being polite means > following traditions like saying "you're welcome" and making small > talk. For others, it means minding your own business. When I was in > Africa recently, I got hit by a difference in definition for > "politeness" when I didn't say "thank you" along with EACH "yes" or > "no." Among other things, I was considered quite impolite for switching > my fork from left to right hand after cutting meat. The difference > wasn't actual "politeness," but what was considered polite in a certain > society. > Carrie Susann Addington SCHOOL: HOME: 403 E. Main St. 2100 W. Sun Valley Pkwy. Morehead, KY 40351 Muncie, IN 47303 (606)780-0781 (317)747-0809