27 Oct 2008
Essays on Social Courtesy
Recently, I was attempting to cross a busy street in a smaller Denver Metro community. The road was a two-lane, one-way street and I was resigned to waiting until there was a suitable break in traffic. I was, however, surprised when drivers in both lanes stopped simultaneously to allow my safe crossing. As I crossed, I waved to the courteous drivers in gratitude. It made me realize the importance of social courtesy in the day-to-day operation of our modern society.
The concept of social courtesy is as old as human civilization, though what social courtesy means and what it includes has varied widely over that history. In ancient Egypt, commoners where expected to move to the side of the road and to kneel on one knee in respect when the Pharaoh passed them. In China, men and women were expected to kowtow (bow with their faces to the ground) when passed by or entering the presence of the emperor, but in Japan, to break eye contact with a social or military superior was grounds for instant execution by that superior for disrespect.
Every society that is, or ever was, has had unique facets of acceptable social courtesy and conduct. From the mannerisms of formal dining table etiquette to everyday social courtesy in welcoming a friend or business associate to the legislated requirements of vehicular operation courtesy, our society cannot exist without social courtesy. Social courtesy encourages and allows the smooth operation of our society.
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Historic analysis of many mannerism and social courtesy reveals underlying reasons for the traditions. Analyze a set of common social courtesy behaviors and determine the possible rationale behind those behaviors.
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Differences in social courtesy from one nation to another are often cited as obstacles to doing business in foreign countries where even a single error in social courtesy can end sensitive financial negotiations. Select a country or region where this phenomenon is prevalent and analyze how this issue blocks or impedes the concept of globalization.
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