Manners, that is. This week’s Miss Manners addresses the issue of rude students. An unidentified prof in Florida gave some colorful examples of his or her examples of ill mannered student responses, and this is what Miss Manners had to say:
QUESTION: How can I indicate that a student’s tone is inappropriate without being rude in return?ANSWER: By saying so.
It is true Miss Manners spends many of her waking hours warning people against criticizing one another’s behavior outright — and yes, thank you, she sees the irony. (She offers instruction only upon request.)
But there are certain people who may properly insist on the etiquette of their domains: judges in courtrooms, parents in their households and teachers in their classrooms and offices. You cannot court-martial offenders, send them to their rooms or roam the campus handing out etiquette violations.
But you can insist on proper respect being maintained toward yourself and, for that matter, toward other students in your class. Think of it as a long-neglected part of their education. The reply to the cheeky remarks you quoted should be that you will discuss the matter when they address you in a civil fashion.
I suppose it is a teacher’s role to teach their students etiquette. Not the fork and knife kind, but simply how one addresses their superiors (yes, I used that word. Very Japanese of me) and behave as civilized adults.
