Yay
eksakto na pamatasan!
A friend once recounted how a certain
couple raised their child to mirror their own unkindness. Once prominent
figures in their circle, they were often the subject of hushed whispers about
their discourteous behavior. In the end, even those who knew them best could
only agree with one enduring truth: you cannot buy class.
Manners are integral in daily
encounters. They are the subtle expressions of respect and consideration that
shape how we move within the shared spaces of society. More than gestures of
politeness, manners reflect the depth of one’s upbringing and awareness of
others. They bridge differences, soften conflicts, and nurture an atmosphere of
civility in an increasingly impatient world.
Yet with the growing influence and
complexities introduced by technology and media, people now engage in a
multitude of behaviors, many of which stray from the greater good. Even
professionals, who are expected to uphold discernment and integrity, sometimes
distort definitions to suit their own perspectives, insisting on their version
of what is right. Such tendencies often trace back to one’s upbringing, patterns
of thought and conduct learned early on, now manifested and defended as truth.
Scholars have also observed this moral
shift in the digital age. As Turkle (2016) asserts, constant connectivity has
fostered a culture of self-validation rather than self-reflection, weakening
empathy and ethical awareness. Similarly, Postman (2005) warned that
media-saturated societies risk prioritizing entertainment over moral reasoning.
These shifts reveal that manners and ethics, once rooted in upbringing and
social norms, are now increasingly mediated by algorithms and online approval, challenging
the very idea of what is “good” or “correct.”
The way we eat, the way we converse and
truly listen without being absorbed by our phones, the way we respond to online
comments, and even the way we present ourselves, all these mirror our manners.
These behaviors are learned and gradually woven into our daily actions,
silently revealing who we are. Yet what is more unsettling is the thought that
others may emulate these behaviors, believing them to be right simply because
they are commonly practiced. In this sense, manners are not only personal
reflections but also social influences, shaping how others learn to define what
is acceptable and good.
Some people claim that they need not
conform to societal norms, insisting on being accepted for who they are. Yet
beyond individuality lies the enduring presence of universal values, foremost
among them, respect. True freedom does not exist in the absence of
responsibility; it flourishes when guided by conscience and concern for others.
The concept of the greater good must remain at the heart of this freedom, for
when liberty is exercised without restraint or regard for others, it no longer
uplifts, it descends into disorder. Indeed, democracy thrives not through
unbounded expression, but through the balance of rights and respect.
Manners must still be uplifted and
practiced. In an age where self-expression often overshadows respect and where
digital spaces blur the boundaries of civility, the simple act of showing
courtesy becomes a quiet but powerful assertion of humanity. Manners are not
mere formalities; they are the invisible threads that hold communities
together, reminding us that dignity is mutual and kindness is universal. To
practice good manners is to affirm that, despite the noise of modern life,
grace and respect still matter, and they begin with each of us.
Long after words are forgotten, it is
our manners that people remember.
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