A small rant, not directed at anyone in meatspace, nosireebob.

[e_juliana]

"Please" and "thank you" are not mere empty phrases to be discarded in this fashionably informal age. They are acknowledgements of a person's basic humanity, a recognition that your request is being processed by a human and not a machine. To not use them informs the requestee of their exact status (or lack thereof) in your mind, fostering resentment and rudeness. Giving commands should be reserved for crises and affairs of state - times when immediacy of action supersedes the need to be polite.

Whether you are addressing a fast-food worker, an administrative assistant, a fellow passenger, or the President of Burundi, basic manners should remain in force at all times. Otherwise, you risk a marker being thrown at your head.

Fucko.

Comments

[jmhm.livejournal.com]

not to mention that it's a sign of self-respect, a far better way to go through life without unpleasantness, a kind thing to do, and (despite what the hopped up turboyuppies and bored rich housewives amongst us might flatter themselves) a powerful class signifier.

[e-juliana.livejournal.com]

As always, you are quite wise.