Contest: Courtesy
 |
|---|
Greetings and welcome to my participation on this contest as we discuss the idea and importance of courtesy and it's role in our society at large.
What do you understand by courtesy? Explain |
|---|
Talking about courtesy, it seems to be a big word and highly regarded, but then, for me it is all about being kind and respectful to others.
It is about thinking of other people's feelings and learning to use the magic words such as "please" and "thank you", it is about holding doors open for the elderly, and listening when someone is talking. Also, about not interrupting and giving people space and just being polite, even when you don't feel like it.
But in all, I tell you courtesy is not just about fancy manners, but about being thoughtful and being aware that everyone has their own stuff going on, and sometimes, a little kindness can make a huge difference. Therefore, it is about treating others the way you want to be treated.
In other words, I can say it is about having respect for other people's opinions, their time, their space, and their feelings.
Do you think courtesy is important? Should it be observed? Tell us |
|---|
With what I've explained so far in the previous section, I definitely think courtesy is not just important but super important. Honestly, I think it's one of the most important things because I see it like the glue that holds society together, and without it, things would be a mess.
 |
|---|
Imagine a world where nobody was polite, and people didn't say "please" or "thank you". They just cut in line or talked over others. I believe the world would be a pretty unpleasant place, or don't you think so? Without courtesy it would be a constant battle of everyone trying to get their own way where no one would feel respected.
Therefore, courtesy for me makes things run smoother as it makes people feel good. When someone is courteous to you, it's like they're saying, "Hey, I see you, and I respect you". And that makes you want to be nice back as it creates a positive cycle.
Courtesy also helps prevent arguments and misunderstandings because if we're polite, even when we disagree with someone, we're more likely to have a civil conversation where we're less likely to get into a shouting match.
So if you are asking if courtesy should be observed? I am 101% that it should be observed by everyone, everywhere, all the time. Having in mind that nobody's perfect, and we may slip up sometimes. But the goal should always be to be courteous.
Name five instances where courtesy is demanded in your culture |
|---|
 |
|---|
I don't really know if the question is specifically directly to my cultural background as in the Ijaw culture since I'm an Ijaw person or the culture of Nigeria as a whole, but then I will answer it according to my immediate culture which is the Ijaw man's culture.
Courtesy is very important in the Ijaw culture and it is woven into so many aspects of our lives, so here are five instances where it's really, really expected:
Greeting Elders:
This is a huge one as in Ijaw culture, you must show respect to elders. This means using respectful language, kneeling or bowing when greeting elders (especially the elderly), and listening to what they have to say. It's a sign of respect for their wisdom and experience, so therefore if you don't greet an elder properly, it's considered to be very rude.
During Community Gatherings:
Whether this be a meeting, a celebration, or a funeral, you have to be courteous. This means listening attentively when others are speaking, not interrupting, and showing respect for the occasion.
When Visiting Someone's Home:
Oh dear, you can't just barge in. You're expected to greet the people in the house respectfully, wait to be offered a seat, and generally be polite.
Addressing Chiefs and Leaders:
Chiefs and community leaders hold a special place in our Ijaw society. Hence, you have to show them extra respect such as using respectful titles, addressing them in a formal manner, and listening carefully to their pronouncements.
When Receiving Gifts or Favours:
If someone does something nice for you, you're expected to show your appreciation by saying "thank you" sincerely, and often, it means offering something in return, whether it's a small gift or helping them out later.
State instances where courtesy was neglected. Maybe you witnessed it or someone told you |
|---|
Like I said earlier, when people don't show courtesy, it's never a pretty sight and here are a few instances where courtesy was neglected.
Not Greeting Elders:
It is considered to be inappropriate when a young person doesn't greet an elder. The elder is always seen visibly upset, and trust me everyone around would whisper about how disrespectful it was.
The Ungrateful Recipient:
I once saw someone receive a gift and barely acknowledge it by just mumbling "thanks" and walking away. The person who gave the gift was really hurt. It was a clear sign that the recipient didn't value the gesture.
The Disrespectful Child:
A child being rude to an older relative, talking back and being defiant. The relative was clearly hurt and embarrassed and the parents had to step in and correct the child, but the damage was already done.
These instances all show how neglecting courtesy can damage relationships and create tension, serving as a reminder to why we need to be mindful of how we treat others.
What is your stance when it comes to courtesy? Tell us |
|---|
I think courtesy is a must-have in our everyday life as it is about treating others with the respect and kindness they deserve and we need to show courtesy because;
It Makes Life Better:
When we are courteous, it makes everything smoother and run more efficiently because we are considerate of each other. It's like everyone is on the same team, trying to help each other out.
It Shows Respect:
Being courteous is a way of showing that we respect other people, which means that we value their feelings, their time, and their space.
It Builds Relationships:
Courtesy helps us build strong relationships because when we're polite and respectful, people are more likely to trust us and want to be around us and that creates a positive environment where friendships and bonds can grow.
It's a Reflection of Character:
In today's world, being courteous shows that you have good character, meaning you're thoughtful, kind, and considerate. It's also a sign that you care about the well-being of others.
I want to take this opportunity to invite @ruthjoe, @ikwal and @kidi40.
Thank You for your Time
NOTE: Always have a smile on your face, as you are never fully dressed without one.
