“Get out of the way.”
While that’s an obviously disrespectful statement, sometimes it seems manners have gone by the wayside with much of the population. Most serious aspect of it, in our naive and humble opinion, is that in many cases of impoliteness, the wrongdoer doesn’t know any better. They’ve never been taught or even seen proper etiquette.
Most obvious public scenario is when a man and woman are walking together down any sidewalk. As often as not, the female gender is walking next to the passing traffic. Now is that the gentlemanly manner, let alone the cowboy way, to be courteous?
How often do males open doors for females on the car or going into a building, let alone get up and offer them their seat in a crowded place? When there is a line at the checkout or food counter, do any men say “Go ahead” to the lady behind?
No, we don’t show this respectfulness all of the time. Every time we or another doesn’t, it is most certainly a discourtesy. Yet, there are those of the liberated/feminist genre who would probably be more upset by the correct behavior than the insolence.
Not a high percentage of the population wear hats or caps these days, but how many, if any, tipped their head cover, or even nodded in respect, when approaching another on the street today? It wasn’t even considered.
We always tip our hat to female exhibitors as they approach us in every class at horse shows we’re judging. It’s a natural protocol for us, but in the past year, we’ve noticed some other judges aren’t showing that politeness. However, our steward at one show noted that many of the ladies don’t even understand, let alone expect, the gesture.
As an exhibitor, we’ve always tipped our hat to women judges as a true sign of respect and appreciation. Fewer horsemen seem to be doing that all of the time, too.
Even the most traditional expressions: Please, Thank you, Excuse me, I’m sorry, My mistake, My fault, are seemingly becoming almost extinct. We thought those courtesies were the first things taught to babies. Many people of all ages don’t express the ordinary, and to us expected, comments of gratitude, let alone: “Yes ma’am” and “Yes sir.”
These offenses may seem minute compared to all of the rudeness in the world today, but if one doesn’t do the basics, it’s unlikely they’ll perform the more complex. Again, many horses are so congenial, and others seem to be so bad-mannered, just like some people.
Things would change if we had to follow Isaiah 35:8: “No one rude or rebellious is permitted on this road.” Yet, we should remember Titus 3:2:”Speak evil of no one to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” As stated in Proverbs 15:23: “Congenial conversation, what a pleasure. The right word at the right time is beautiful.”
+++ALLELUIA+++