tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14395763.post113157641227297703..comments2023-09-23T11:07:44.228-04:00Comments on On Rush Hour in D.C.: Janet Kincaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01396294382570650966noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14395763.post-1131604265388697972005-11-10T01:31:00.000-05:002005-11-10T01:31:00.000-05:00I have to admit, when I was little, my family did ...I have to admit, when I was little, my family did go to restaurants still quite a bit. I remember having to behave very well in those places, and no shenanigans allowed - this included using proper table manners, the correct utensil, napkin in your lap, one hand at a time, blah blah blah. I can't see how it damaged me or my siblings to have public manners - we weren't beaten or anything. But it was a sacrifice on my parents' part (well, usually my mother's), as the loud/naughty child would be taken outside until they could behave. My mother once spent our entire mealtime out in the car with my screaming 2-year-old sister. But what's wrong w/ putting a little bit of manners around public spaces? I don't think that should cause a battle between them what has kids and them what don't...?? What's up with things these days? It seems like EVERY issue in the US becomes very quickly polarized now - parents defensive and pissed, non-parents (or other quiet advocates) self-righteous and pissed and both lobbing bombs at the other side...??? Instant rhetorical war - was everyone always this touchy, or am I just now noticing it? Also, I have definitely noticed that public behavior of children is still quite monitored and controlled here - I haven't heard a crying child in a restaurant even once here that I can think of. Not that I'm suggesting everyone be as repressed as the Swiss... :-)Swizzieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05140490483001953823noreply@blogger.com