In the never-ending search for the truth of why mankind behaves as it does, the foundation of people's behavior has to be examined. Before any gifted thinker can hypothesize about the workings of the human mind in regard to complex issues, it is imperative to understand that some individuals suffer from an etiquette deficiency. Although the lack of manners affects all ages of society, it is far worse in the college population. No person can expect to always act in a courteous manner, but after observing Ohio University's student body for three years, I feel safe saying that students often are unable to function productively in society.
Most college students embrace the idea of being on their own
but it is apparent to this writer that a large percentage of our peers need the heavy hand of mommy and daddy to guide them. It is disheartening to realize that the same morons who violate the basic rules of etiquette might one day lead this nation. Now, some students might think that such minute details, like a lack of manners, don't influence more complex behavior, but these small actions can add up and become major problems. So, as a favor to all students at OU, I developed a short list of egregious behavior that has gone unchecked for too long. Please, don't be that guy:
¥ Who goes to a party and when the alcohol runs out has the audacity to get pissed when the person throwing the party asks for a donation toward buying more alcohol.
¥ Who feels the need to stand outside the dorm at 3 a.m. and scream at the top of your lungs for no reason. People are trying to sleep, and so should you.
¥ Who thinks it is fun to sit on yourbalcony or front porch and make derogatory statements about passers by. I will applaud anyone who performs the public service of shutting you up.
¥ Who tries to start fights with someone just to look tough in front of na*ve freshmen girls. Everyone is already laughing at you; it will just make it worse if you lose a fight.
¥ Who goes to a bar with friends but doesn't buy a round of drinks.
¥ Who feels the need to intercede in a situation that resulted in something getting broken at a party. If you don't pay rent there, then it doesn't involve you.
¥ Who drinks a 12-pack of Natural Light -a.k.a. semi-alcoholic water -and feels the need to brag about it. That isn't anything special, I know girls that have done that. (No offense intended ladies).
¥ Who would rather shoulder charge someone when walking Uptown than take a step to the side and allow both people to pass by without contact.
¥ Who thinks you are extremely funny because you always feel the need to quote Dave Chappelle. He is funny; you are not. Oh-kay!
¥ Who enters into a political or religious debate and refuses to logically debate the issues, instead relying solely on empty rhetoric or personal dogma.
¥ Who wears the t-shirt of the band whose concert you are going to see.
Also in the spirit of equality, because it is unfair to comment only on male behavior, now it is the females' turn. Because of space constraints I will not re-list some of the etiquette violations that both sexes commit. So ladies refer to #2, #3 and #6 of the men's list, as well as the following. Don't be that girl:
¥ Who when at bar, requests drinks for your friends as a condition of a guy offering to buy you a drink.
¥ Who feels the need to dress scandalously when going to the bar in the dead of winter. It might be hot in the bar, but there are more sensible clothes that can be worn than a mini skirt and tube-top.
¥ Who uses your feminine charm to instigate rivalry or violence between two men. I know it is not a common practice, but it does happen.
¥ Who does not know what your limit is. (Guys, I forgot, that applies to you also.)
¥ Who walks home by yourself at night. Call CATCAB, walk home in a group or have a guy friend walk you home. (That's not really etiquette, but common sense.)
¥ Who refers to others of your sex as sluts and whores. Women have to respect one another before guys will.
Please, I implore all of my fellow students to avoid being that guy or that girl. If you find that you violate more than one of these on a consistent basis, then I encourage you to look deep inside and stop being such a jackass. Your mommy was right; manners do matter in the real world, except if you are perfect -like me.
-Dan Rinderle, a Post editorial writer and junior journalism major, thanks all the etiquette-enlightened individuals that helped compile this list . Send him an e-mail at daniel.rinderle@ohiou.edu 17
Archives
The Post Editorial
