Artist holds “master class” on “cultivating” ill-mannered people
Whether you are scrolling through social media or simply walking down the street, it’s hard to ignore the lack of basic manners and respectful behavior in today’s society. With this in mind, artist and speaker John Smith recently held a “master class” on “cultivating” ill-mannered individuals.
The idea for the master class came to Smith after he witnessed a series of disrespectful and rude incidents in his own community. “I saw people cutting in line, speaking loudly on their phones in public places, and even littering without a second thought,” Smith explained. “It was disheartening to see the decline of basic manners and common courtesy in our society.”
Recognizing the need for action, Smith decided to use his platform as an artist to make a difference. “Art has the power to inspire and educate, and I wanted to use that power to address the issue of poor manners,” he said.
The master class, appropriately titled “Cultivating Civility,” aimed to bring awareness to the decline of manners and provide practical tips on how to improve one’s behavior. Smith’s approach was to use art as a tool to spark conversations and get people thinking about their actions.
The class began with a thought-provoking art exhibition where Smith displayed powerful images depicting various scenarios of ill-mannered behavior. From talking loudly on the phone in quiet places to not holding the door open for others, the images were meant to make people reflect on their own behavior.
Following the exhibition, Smith delivered a passionate speech on the importance of manners and how they contribute to a more respectful and harmonious society. He emphasized that good manners go beyond “please” and “thank you,” but also involve being mindful of others, respecting personal space, and being considerate of different cultures and beliefs.
The highlight of the master class was a series of interactive exercises where participants were put in real-life situations and were asked to practice good manners. From learning how to properly introduce themselves to practicing good table manners, the exercises were designed to be fun and engaging while also driving home the importance of proper behavior.
One attendee, Mary Johnson, shared her thoughts on the master class. “I have never really thought about my manners before, but after attending this class, I realize how important they are in our daily interactions,” she said. “I will definitely be more mindful of my behavior and make an effort to be more respectful to others.”
Smith also provided participants with a “manners toolkit” which included a booklet with tips and reminders on proper behavior, and a “manners challenge” to encourage attendees to practice good manners in their everyday lives.
The master class proved to be a success, with many attendees expressing their gratitude for the eye-opening experience. “I didn’t realize how much my behavior was affecting those around me until I attended this class,” said James Adams, another participant. “I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and improve myself.”
Smith hopes to continue holding the “Cultivating Civility” master class in different communities and schools to spread awareness and inspire change. “My goal is to create a ripple effect of good manners and respectful behavior,” he said. “If each of us can make an effort to be a little more polite and considerate, we can make a big impact on our society as a whole.”
In a society where technology and social media often replace face-to-face interactions, it’s important to not forget the significance of basic manners. The “Cultivating Civility” master class serves as a reminder that good manners are not outdated, but rather an essential part of being a respectful and considerate individual. As Smith eloquently puts it, “Manners cost us nothing, but their absence can cost us everything.”
