The End of Polite Society in France (not really, but it grabs your attention)

3-3-11 (RM, France)

You would think that all the stereotypes about the rude or boorish American would put me off this subject, but I felt that something needed to be said about the inconsiderate nature of some young people in France and their reaction to random acts of polite behavior. Here are two scenarios which will highlight some of these points:

Scenario One: I was walking with a group of my classmates and we were about to enter the building. I grabbed the door and opened it, standing beside the door to let all my friend in before me. Rather than thanking me however, two of my friends stopped to ask me why I had done such a thing. They told me that I was already elected class representative and I didn't need to "campaign" anymore. I told them that I was simply being polite and holding the door open so that everyone didn't have to stop and open it for themselves. I also told them that, in fact, this was a common courtesy that I performed on a regular basis back in the US.

Scenario Two: Our class was invited to hear a short series of lectures at the International Energy Agency a few days ago. The room was arranged in a large circle with multiple TV screens showing the power point presentation in the middle of the room. Being in a circle, it was easy for everyone to see the lecturer and for the lecturer to see everyone else. To my surprise, many students thought it was appropriate to talk, laugh, and banter back and forth during each of the presentations. I thought that this behavior was extremely unprofessional, rude, and immature. I mentioned something after the presentation to a few of my friends about what I expected from master's level students in terms of their behavior. Instead of agreeing with me, my friend asked me why I felt the need to be so polite all the time. I told him that it was because we were in a professional setting and that I was trying to make myself and my class look good. Not only this, but it was just common courtesy to yield the floor to a speaker who is taking time out of their day to spend with students.

Stephen Fry: Most Polite Man in Britain