For my essay I wish to speak of a topic close to my heart. Something that can pain me more then anything else; that has the power to make me smile, weep, laugh and rejoice. Something that is an issue day in and day out for every season of every year, the controversially beautiful subject of etiquette.

            With hat on head, my little white gloves buttoned tight, and parasol in hand I venture forth each day only to wonder what new kinds of rudeness I will be confronted with. From the people who spit on the street nearly missing me, to the customers who are dissatisfied with a policy I cannot change.  And why is it that dear old etiquette has been hung out to dry in these modern times? It comes with the false beliefs that it will stifle creativity, that the holy subject will refuse people the right to wear what they please, say what they please, and act as they please. Well, they’re right, it will—but not into the confining cage that they imagine. True one could no longer tell one’s life story to stranger just met on the street, but they wouldn’t have to listen to those stories either.

            Etiquette is a system designed for cultural understanding. It gives context for words and gestures that without it would carry little meaning. Perhaps one would not think the famous gesture ‘the finger’ to fall under the heading of manners, but how could such a gesture be rude if there was no politeness to contrast it with?

            The free speech yearned for cannot be attained if there is no set bounds that are followed. A loud #@!#$ heard on the streets is no longer shocking, but my own charming family immediately rushes to the scene should I utter a shrill “Goodness gracious”.  Because I don’t abuse the right to say all the dirty words I please, when I do the are taken much more seriously. And let us face the facts: free speech can not have the impact that is desired if everyone is going around speaking freely all the time.