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What Happened to Class

the downfall of decorum

By Traci E. Published 2 years ago 3 min read
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What Happened to Class
Photo by JJ Jordan on Unsplash

There was a time not so long ago when people got dressed up to fly on an airplane, when they wore suits and ties and dresses to church, when a night at the theatre was a special event that made you want to dress your best. People behaved and the world was better because of it.

Now you can go out to eat and wear whatever you like, including your pajama bottoms. You grip your silverware in your fist and shovel your food in your mouth. Your napkin may or may not be on your lap and most likely a man’s hat will be on his head. We have become a nation of classless slobs and we wonder why society has become the mess it is.

You may think it doesn’t matter what you wear to the grocery store or to a friend’s house, but it does. How we present ourselves is a sign of respect, both of ourselves and those we are around. Our grandparents knew this. Even if they didn’t have a lot of money they still had manners and class.

Children used to have their school clothes and their play clothes. As soon as they got home from school, they would change into their play clothes so their nicer school clothes wouldn’t get dirty. They also had their nicer “church clothes”. These were reserved for religious services, weddings and fancy events. It was a very special occasion if you got to wear your church clothes. And one worth getting excited about.

Now if you pass a church on Sunday you will see people entering in t-shirts with logos on them and torn jeans. If this is truly their best, then fine, if not, what image are you presenting to the others there and those leading the service?

A night out to see a play was also a special occasion. People dressed nicely just to sit in the audience. It was a way of showing respect for the hard work the performers had put in to bring us the entertainment. Now people will dress in whatever is comfortable and even eat and talk during a show.

At one time it wasn’t uncommon to see a woman with her hair in rollers in the grocery store. You knew she had a big night planned and wanted to look her best. But she still had her weekly shopping to do so she had to go out in rollers, but she was careful to cover her head with a nice scarf that complimented her outfit.

Each decade seems to lose more and more class. Manners lag and etiquette is forgotten in the pursuit of speed and comfort. We are told not to care what others think of us, that it only matters what we think of ourselves. Well, how you present yourself to the world is truly a reflection of what you think of yourself. If you show you have no respect for yourself, how you expect others to show you respect? It is a two-way street.

Manners and class became associated with those with money for some reason. You don’t need money to be polite and behave correctly. Then it became funny to be rude and uncouth, to use foul language and talk about bodily functions. Each slip takes us further down the hole.

We have put rude foul-mouthed entertainers and politicians on pedestals. We have allowed children to behave however they like without reprimand so as to not damage their psyches. The world has careened off the road and into a land where we are offended by everything but do not lead by example for the future generations.

Hopefully it is not too late to correct the path we have taken. Straighten your clothes, put on real shoes and pants, hold a door for the person behind you. Say please and thank you. Put your phone away at the table, the checkout line and the museum. Be present, be polite and be aware. Show respect for yourself and others and the world may become a better place.

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About the Creator

Traci E.

Writing can be therapy, insanity or both. Here is my mind, my dreams, my fears, my thoughts, my life laid bare to share with you. Enjoy the journey into what is at once my blog, diary and world, and don't forget to tip your guide.

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