question_answer

Etiquette is the unwritten code that governs social behaviour. Etiquette reflects formulas of conduct in which society or tradition have invested. Western etiquette tells people to greet friends and acquaintances with warmth and respect, refrain from insults and curiosity, offer hospitality equally to guests, wear clothing suited to the occasion, talk properly, eat neatly and quietly, avoid disturbing others, follow the rules of an organisation, arrive promptly when expected, comfort the bereaved, and respond to invitations promptly.

Violations of etiquette can cause public disgrace, and in private hurt individual feelings, create misunderstandings or real grief and pain.

Some people feel etiquette to be an unnecessary restriction of freedom of personal expression. However, wearing pajamas to a wedding in a cathedral may be an expression of the guest's freedom, but may also cause the bride and groom to suspect that the guest is expressing amusement or disparagement towards them and their wedding.

Etiquette is dependent on culture; what is excellent etiquette in one society may shock in another. Etiquette can vary widely between different cultures and nations. In China, a person who takes the last item of food from a common plate without offering it to others at the table is seen as a glutton whilst in most European cultures he is expected to eat all the food given to them, as a compliment to the cooking. In some societies it is considered disgusting to eat with the left hand, and left handed individuals are sometimes forced to use their right hand. Recently, internet has created Netiquette, which governs the drafting of e-mail, rules for participating in online forums, and so on.

- Bhuvan's Journal

March 31, 2007

The etiquette should not be broken because _____.

A) it may cause public disgrace

B) it may cause shock

C) it may hurt feelings

D) all of the above