Being Good

Being Good

Outline

I Introduction
A definition
B people's impression
1 formal impression
2 common impression
C thesis

II History of Etiquette
A old British style
B Post family
1 original
2 extended
C how rules have changed from old style / new ones not used

III Kinds of Etiquette
A common sense aspect
B formal aspects
1 social
2 business

IV How and when it is used
A when the right time is
B what situations require a change
1 indicators
2 parallel good

V Personal view
A what things are really important
B why etiquette is relative
1 right to some / wrong to others
2 some expect more than others
3 situations can be perceived different ways

VI Conclusion
A re-discussion of why it is relative (from intro. & part V)
B usefulness of defined rules
1 narrow situations
2 good common ones
C re-statement / support from paper



























Websters Ninth collegiate dictionary defines etiquette as �The conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.� What this tells us is that those who are bred well, and feel that others are, have certain expectations of those people. If said people don�t meet those undefined standards of good breeding, then their etiquette is at fault. The other part of the definition describes etiquette as being prescribed by authority. There are times when a set of rules are laid out for a specific occasion. When this is not defined, one must decide what action or set of actions is appropriate. It reminds me of the saying �When in Rome, do as the Romans do.� Yet if I were to go to Rome, I�ll still be American, and would have to decide if being in Rome is worth acting like a Roman. Emily Post (whom I will discuss) said �Etiquette is common sense - a code of behavior based on thoughtfulness.� (Hatfield, 61) It�s all very confusing, but there is only one way to look at the whole picture. Etiquette can only be defined in terms of oneself; though rules are available, they are seldom known, and it is a personal decision and preference often depending on one�s situation.
Back in old times of Kings and Queens ruling the serfs, Etiquette was the way of life. Each person had a role which they upheld, and it was well defined. Written laws, such as appropriate public attire, or proper worship practices governed what today would be considered a personal choice.(Carlson, 49) Everyone knew his or her place. They were expected to act a certain way to one person, and another to someone else. With the development of the middle class, there was a need for rules of etiquette to define those of the upper class; it had become more...

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