Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Scribbles and Scrambles - Going, Going, Gone...

Is it dead?

chiv·al·ry (sh v l-r )
n. pl. chiv·al·ries
1. The medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood.
2.
a. The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women.
b. A manifestation of any of these qualities.
3. A group of knights or gallant gentlemen.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/chivalry

A few recent incidents have morphed into a monster sized question.

I’ve mentioned the whole cell phone in the public restroom thing before. Ewww.

Apparently, cell phone etiquette is not being taught. I suppose text-messaging “socially acceptable cell phone usage” tips is out of the question. Verizon, Qwest, Sprint – feel free to use my idea.

My co-worker shared her frustration over standing in line at a department store counter as a woman tried to return an item while multi-tasking by talking on her cell phone. The cashier had to interrupt her conversation four times before the woman exploded, hung-up, dealt with the transaction and stormed from the store.

Hmmm. The weighty word “hello” comes to mind.

I hate to judge, but I often overhear cell phone conversations. Generally they resemble something like this.

“Hey.”

“Yeah, I’m bored.”

“Did you see American Idol?”

“*#%*$! Me too. I can’t believe it.”

Now that we have the Bluetooth technology with ear pieces, communication has hit a new level.

Have you carried on a conversation with someone who is talking to the voice in his or her head yet? That’s fun. Something to look forward to.

This morning I practiced a bit of reverse chivalry – it was either that or becoming one with the carpet. Three healthy, seemingly in their right mind and moderately intelligent young men filled a hallway as they walked toward me. Kind of like a football offensive line. I ducked into a doorway. Maybe they were practicing for the annual running of the bulls’ festival. Or I might have donned my invisibility cloak instead of my jacket this morning. I was a little fuzzy when I left the house.

Sigh.

Okay, so which is a dying art? Chivalry, courtesy or common sense?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Today I saw a couple bluetoothing together isn't that sweet!

batgirl said...

Ah, yes. It's scary out there. Here in our little home school, we're reading a book about manners. If my girls actually apply what they learn, they'll be like freaks of nature out in the world! Take care, k.

Diane Viere said...

Sadly, all three!

Just last night, I had a conversation with my 15 year old son and his best friend. It went something like this:

"Son, I'm really proud of you for being so polite to your teacher."

"yeah, but you're the only one! My friends tease me for saying 'Yes, M'am."

Best Friend pipes in: "Yeah--everyone knows he's just making fun!"

Huh? Making fun? What happened to common respectful dialogue with your authorities??????

I tried my best to convince his best friend that being respectful was not a joke. His constant reply was, "Things are different these days!"

Hmph!

I only hope Sam's teacher understands that he is not being sarcastic, he is being respectful.

Diane