Manners are vital to a civil society. It appears we are losing sight of them.
As most everyone knows, Wal-Mart stores have a reputation for being the store in which those who are economically distressed will use for all of their shopping needs. They’re big, warehouse looking places with fluorescent lights, cold in appearance, but it really doesn’t matter because you can find practically anything you need, from food to sporting equipment, and for a price a lot cheaper than most other places. Over the past few years they have become mostly automated, and after all that shopping is completed, customers will be both cashier and bagger, rarely interacting with anyone, except maybe the employee who is standing there pointing to an open register, or assisting with an item look up. Years ago, I used to go shopping at Wal-Mart late on Friday nights, usually after being out, since I knew it wouldn’t be crowded and I could get in and out of there quickly. But over the last ten years I’ve rarely visited one, instead choosing to shop at stores with less crowds, and more personable interaction. But over the past few months I’ve returned to Wal-Mart, for one particular item that they sell, and that I can no longer find at a GNC or Vitamin Shoppe, which is where I used to buy them. So, I venture out to that big, cold warehouse about once per week, pick up my favorite energy drink, ring them up myself and then leave. Online would be an easier and more convenient option, but I decided years ago to support businesses that offer customer service, and provide jobs to the community. I understand shopping at Wal-Mart isn’t any better, since I’m still giving my hard earned money to a wealthy behemoth of a company that continues to phase out human beings, but I’ve stubbornly vowed to avoid online purchases as best I can, and yes, mostly for an ideology that probably has a low chance of survival. I’ll keep shopping in person until it’s no longer an option, and convince myself that I’m doing a good deed, even if that isn’t really the case.
Wal-Mart is arguably the most potpourri of cultural environments you can be in, where there are all walks of life, not all poor of course, but probably mostly working poor and middle class . Many customers are dressed as if they just woke up, including wearing pajamas, an indication of not caring at all what others think about them, and maybe not even caring about themselves. I couldn’t help but wonder if a warm smile from an employee, or a “can I help with anything” approach from a manager might possibly brighten up their day and make them walk out of there with a more positive perspective on life. For the most part though, Wal-Mart shoppers are viewed as “deplorable”, often the ones many will laugh at, but also attempt to sympathize with, so not to be viewed as pompous elites, who don’t understand the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck. You’ll hear these elites preach about how the wealthy are evil, (though they are wealthy themselves) that responsibility has nothing to do with rights, and that individualism is more important than shared effort.
But good mannerisms are often the key to achieving success, especially if one lacks education or didn’t grow up with a family of overachievers . Over the course of a decade or more, societal standards seem to be declining more and more, including how we dress and how we interact with one another, from talking on our phones while in a movie theater, to erratic driving that has cost lives. Last week the Missouri House of Representatives introduced a bill that required female legislators and staff members to wear a jacket such as a cardigan or blazer, in other words, a dress code. No, it wasn’t introduced by a man, but by Republican Ann Kelly, who stated, “It is essential to always maintain a formal and professional atmosphere on House floor and to ensure this happens, I have felt compelled to offer this amendment”. Democrats called it pointless, and as expected, have attempted to make this a case of women being held to a a certain standard, which men in the Missouri house already are, but you know, this is the 21st century after all, and if there’s an opportunity to cry out racism or sexism, it won’ go to waste. So instead of seeing this as a measure to ensure professionalism and maybe even pride in appearance, it has instead turned into another argument of unfairness, which is strange, since now everyone, regardless of gender, is held to this policy.
Expecting policy makers to display professional appearance should be applauded, and quite honestly, needs be adopted by almost all vocations, for it displays not only professionalism, but dedication to a company’s core values and ideals. It’s bewildering that politicians like John Fetterman lack any sense of pride in their appearance, and give victory speeches wearing a hoodie. It’s even more surprising that his constituents also don’t care, which clearly shows a lack of respect for the position. The idea that dressing up is old fashioned shows how far society has regressed into a state of no standards or expectations, and that our philosophy is not about everyone, but only about ourselves. Our push to give into impulsive behavior instead of discussing how they can affect a persons life, is reflected in many of our current laws that have been passed lately. Legalization of cannabis for recreational use is a continuing downward spiral of giving in to behavior that can have serious consequences, such as low productivity among many users, and a form of self medication to escape from reality. Cannabis absolutely has medical benefits, but so do opioids, and the idea of legalizing them, for right now at least, would be viewed as preposterous. But at the end of the day, it really is about money, particularly the idea of how much a state can tax a habit, and dismiss the lives that could be ruined by doing so.
All of us benefit greatly when our interactions with one another are pleasant and thoughtful, even if we have differing opinions on societies most debated topics. From taking pride in one’s appearance, to controlling behavior that could greatly impact others, this is what helps us find harmony with one another. Let’s hope we can save mannerisms, before we are too far gone.
Until next time
JPN