Joel Stein did observe in his article about Millennials that they are nice. No, really.
As technology explodes, people are not sure how to behave in the digital realm, and are losing the ability to interact in person. Apparently, a swarm of young and hip etiquette gurus have filled the void, as Alex Williams reports.
Young people “are getting sick of the irony, rudeness and snark that is so prevalent in their online lives,” said Jane Pratt, the editor in chief of xoJane, a women’s lifestyle site where etiquette posts are a popular feature. “The return of etiquette is in part a response to the harshness of the interactions they are having in the digital sphere.”
“Nice is very cool right now,” she added.
Why is nice cool? That can be explained as this generation channels vintage mannerisms:
“There’s this idea in sociology that every generation rebels against its parents and makes friends with its grandparents’ generation,” Mr. McKay said. “You see that with Generation Y dressing like ‘Mad Men,’ and you see that with etiquette. The baby boomers were about ‘let loose, be who you are.’ The ‘greatest generation’ was more formal, and people want to embody some of those grandpa values.”
The hippie generation let it all hang out; the previous was dapper with suits and hats on a daily basis. Watch any film on TCM; the streets of New York are filled with men and women suited, hatted, and gloved.
As I keep on saying, appearance means a lot. When I'm groomed and dressed and well shod, I stand straighter, I think more before I speak, I'm freakin' polite. Can't be helped.
10 comments:
I was in middle of writing a post/rant about how the 60s destroyed formality for the general public. Guess I'll have to shelve it :P
The '60s didn't become a pit of sin and hippes overnight; it was gradual, keep in mind. As mentalities became more "loose," there was still a formality to day-to-day life. All the movies in the '60s were risque, but in fedoras and serious updos with enough hairspray to stop a bullet.
The 60s was the turning point. Its when folks stopped just being immoral in private and started acting immoral in public. The era where it became acceptable to dress like a working girl rather than a lady.
I like the idea that "every generation makes friends with its grandparents." Huh. Never occured to me...but after reading this article, it definitely makes sense. On a side (or not-so-side) note, dressing like a Mad Man actress is kinda my dream. Now. On to finding a well-tailored sheath!
The problem is what came along with the etiquette.
Yes, men and women dressed nicer but they also only attended segregated restaurants. If Blacks were allowed in it was as wait staff only.
Yes, men stood up for women and pulled out their chairs for them but at home the women was useful for cooking and sex, not her intelligence and opinion.
But if you want to see class, watch Casablanca. Now there was etiquette!
FG: I take it you are not a fan of the miniskirts on the original "Star Trek."
Beck: I also loved the idea of being chummy with ones grandparents. Well tailored sheath - I've been searching for that since 2006.
MGI: You are going off topic regarding nostalgia, which shall be addressed in due time.
I never could stand "Casablanca." Bogart is no Carey Grant. Swoon.
Hey, just because I wish folks were more modest and classy doesn't mean I'm not still a guy. I may not be happy with how they dress, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy it as well. Its hard to put into words how I feel about this...
FG: You appear to be conflicted.
Lol that's what its like being a frum red blooded male in the modern world :P
(I have everything straight in my head, but its hard to properly relate.)
FG: Of course, one can always disconnect the cable.
Naaah.
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