TORONTO—In a country usually stereotyped as being overly polite, at least one person thinks busy people in the metropolis of Toronto could be a little nicer—and he plans to tell them about it.
Graphic designer Christopher Rouleau has founded the The Toronto Etiquette Project (TEP) to revive the goodness in everyone. Rouleau launched the project at the beginning of December as a way to remind bustling Torontonians to be more courteous to each other, and to bring out everyone’s innate, kind nature, something people tend to often forget about.
By passing out free-to-download, colorful wallet-sized cards, a pedestrian may be reminded not to Tweet while crossing the street, a person could be advised not to floss while riding the subway, transit riders might be made mindful not to play loud music, and cellphone users could be reminded not to share their private conversations aloud. There are also cards to remind people of more traditional manners such as covering one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing.
In all, there are five different reminders-of-what-not-to-do cards, each in a different color.
While passing out a bad manners card might seem like a bold thing to do, Rouleau says that it’s not meant to offend anybody. “Sometimes having it brought up is just a good, healthy reminder.”
Of course, he advises that one should exercise common sense, and use good judgment when handing out the cards. “If there’s a potential for danger, don’t risk yourself.”
Rouleau says the cards were designed specifically with Toronto in mind, taking his inspiration from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) lettering. “That TTC font was used primarily in the ‘50s and ’60s, and in a way it almost harkens to a time when people were more polite; and when there weren’t cellphones, and when we actually talked to each other. It was kind of a different world back then. And I hoped this would tap into that retro spirit.”
Although the Toronto Etiquette Project was launched a mere two weeks ago, it has already attracted national interest. Rouleau says he already has project requests lined up from coast to coast.
