Etiquette, the Lost Art (The French did it!)
Jan 30, 2009 | Article
In today’s society instant and fast seems to be the protocol. As we move about quickly demanding everything to process immediately or become obsolete, we are creating a culture that is rude and often disrespectful. Etiquette, what is it and what does it mean? If you ask the average person they may relate it to dining or saying thank you. However etiquette is much more than dining properly or saying thank you. The word etiquette originated in Old France and was defined as “ticket or rite of passage”.
Much of today’s formal etiquette originated in the French royal court during the 1600-1700’s. The nobles who lived at court did not work, and so they developed elaborate social customs mostly to avoid becoming bored. This word came from an old French word meaning ticket. This code of behavior soon spread to other European courts and eventually was adopted by the upper classes throughout the Western world. Now that you have had your history lesson, you are possibly asking “How does this affect me and my social network of family and friends?”
Well up until the 1960’s etiquette was taught in school. Today manners have become more relaxed. Etiquette today is based on treating everyone with the same degree of kindness and consideration, and it consists mostly of common sense. However, it is imperative to know some rules about how to behave in certain situations as your future can depend on it! Often schools, universities and corporate organization will observe your ability to adapt in various social situations and make determinations according.
Art is defined as an expression, the principles or methods governing a craft or branch of learning. Etiquette was once viewed as an art when it originated in the 1600’s. Today we, as a western society, must once again embrace the skill of etiquette and pass it on to the next generation.
Written by Jerri Grant Founder of JGR Group.
Visit www.jgrgroup.com or call 972-624-1436 for more information.
Jerri is also an executive member of the Board of Directors at Frisco Arts