COMMON COURTESIES

Maybe it's just where I live, but I sometimes feel that manners and culture are falling by the wayside.  There are times when one must look beyond his own needs and wants and consider what is good for the Order.  Generally there are norms to which we all adhere so as to live harmoniously with others of our species.  There are standards for behavior at home and standards for behavior in public, amongst the other earthlings.  Unspoken Rules, you may think they are called, some call them Common Courtesies. Attending several recitals in the past few weeks, I have observed a breach in common sense on the part of the public.  Here are some reminders to facilitate the entire congregation's enjoyment.


While attending a performance of the arts, it is customary to clap to show one's appreciation for the performers and their accomplishments.  This applause should occur at the completion of the piece, not during.  One should ascertain that it is indeed finished before expressing approval with abandon. 

It is not customary to shout, "WOOOOO!!! WOOOO!! GO ASHLEY!", during the performance or even afterwards, no matter what the performer's name is.  One should note that this type of exaltation is usually not enjoyed by the artist, nor the other patrons. 

Equally frowned upon by other spectators is tapping in time to the music on the backs of their seats.  This does not enhance their experience; rather, it detracts immensely from it. 

Talking to one's companions during the presentation is also a distraction to other members of the audience.  If one has more to say than, "Do you have a hanky?", or "That was wonderful!", to one's neighbor, it probably should wait until later.   It is terribly shabby behavior to conduct an entire conversation while the artist is presenting himself to the world after months and weeks of preparation.

Allowing one's child to talk loudly, whimper, or cry, during the performance, is reprehensible.  It matters not a whit to anyone in the audience if the child, or its guardian, is remotely related to the performer; the creature should be removed from the assemblage immediately.

When one considers the space-time continuum, cell phones have been around a relatively short amount of time.  Consequently, the rules regarding cell phones and other electronic devices are proportionately new.  However, it shouldn't be that difficult to turn one's cell phone off prior to a production of any kind.  Any sort of activity for which a cell phone is used, be it communication by voice or text, playing games, taking pictures, searching the Internet or playing music, will be a disruption to the participants as well as to the constituents of the audience.

Of the six principles listed above, five of them were violated at the show I attended this evening.  I found myself feeling bitter about the amount of money that I spent to procure the tickets; I realized I was fantasizing about living in a bigger city, where perhaps the audience members did not have such a personal connection to the performers; I became hyper-critical of those around me (particularly the giantess that was seated in front of both me and my daughter, who found it necessary to frequently lean to each side and whisper to her companions for lengthy amounts of time). 

How sad that I have to give up gentility to shop locally.  I would love to patronize the arts in my own community; there is a wealth of local talent to explore.  How am I supposed to appreciate the artistry on hand when I am sitting chin-to-jowl with texters, talkers, trumpeters and tappers?  How can I teach my daughter proper etiquette when it is not being followed by the majority of the population?  It is a case of "Do as I say, not as they do."