Reporter: Tracy Fidler
When I was little, I was taught to say please and thank you, hold the door open for others and respect those around me, particularly my elders and my teachers.
It’s now 2012, and I’m guessing parents don’t teach their kids these important, common courtesies, as I have noticed a serious lack of manners, especially at school. First of all, if I hold the door open for someone, a simple “Thank you” would be appreciated. Or if I am following someone through a door, it would be nice if the door didn’t slam in my face.
Second, walking and texting should not be done at the same time. I have lost track of how many times I have been bumped into and given dirty looks because apparently I am supposed to move out of the way. Oh, and if these texters could watch for cars, that’d be great too.
Third, if a pregnant woman, someone with a disability, or an elderly person gets on public transit, those lucky ones who have managed to get seats should get up and offer them theirs. If they’re young and healthy, it’s just the right thing to do. And guys, please prove to me that chivalry isn’t dead, and let a lady have your seat.
Fourth, if students are waiting for their class to begin, and there is another class still in the room, it would be great if they didn’t block the entire hallway.
My “excuse me’s” seem to go unnoticed, forcing me to dart from small open space to small open space, finally taking a deep breath on the other side.
Lastly, I have paid a lot of money for school, and I would really like to be able to hear about what I’m paying to hear about.
It’s disrespectful to teachers and fellow classmates when there’s non-stop talking. Being at the ripe old age of 26, I’m not sure if this is the case with the “younger folk” everywhere, but it seems to be a serious problem at Durham College. Maybe I am just “old” and out of touch with what’s “cool,” but I’m pretty sure good manners will never go out of style.
