The context of this rule is on sensitizing protocol!
Nowadays, people don't seem to practice this fundamental but vital rule of etiquette. And living in a country other than my own, I often admire how many different races take this to heart.
For instance, Caucasians often mind this structure. Sadly Asians in most cases, struggle in getting this behavior embedded into their daily routine. Call it culture, or otherwise, but I think this practice is rooted into how our families are designed in the early days. Specifically in meal tables.
The question is - why the fuss? Well in my own opinion, it all boils down to RESPECT. And respect has to do with virtue. Virtues that often are seen by a person thru his/her parents, grandparents and relatives. Which is rooted to our hidden admiration for gentlemen and women of substance and grace. Classic example of such is royalty.
But I am puzzled as to why most folks find this difficult to uphold, especially as this is seemingly a simple yet powerful behavior to conduct oneself in public. Call it grooming, mold, upbringing. But at the end of the day, parents plays the biggest role model and influence to kids.
As a cliche puts it - children often will pay attention to what parents do, not what parents say. Tall order? Yes, but if we want to cultivate a society full of grace, good manners and right conduct, we must model the way. And the best part? Start at our very home..
| 106th | Set not yourself at the upper of the table; but if it be your due or that the master of the house will have it so, contend not, least you should trouble the company". |
1 comment:
This article is very timely. In this day and age, there is too much emphasis on freedom of expression,spontaneity and creativity in raising kids. In a way, this parenting style helps bring out the many talents that our children have. However, values and discipline cannot be taught without creating a structured environment for our kids. This is a wake-up call for us parents to re-evaluate our parenting style and re-discover the importance of striking a balance between freedom of expression and structure. As someone who grew up in a family who worked around rules, i could not agree more to the author's viewpoint. Structure is needed to instill order, discipline and self-control among our children; skills that they need to tackle the greater challenges of adult life.
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