Global Q&A: ‘Should schools and universities include courses in etiquette and good manners?’

Carmona, Sevilla, Spain: Consuelo Ordoñez González, 54, High School Teacher: Instead of “Etiquette and good manners,” I would include a course called “Communal Living.” For example, it would be more practical than theoretical, where the kids learn empathy, respect, and solidarity values that should be the basis of coexistence—that today have become more and more forgotten. If these values are to take precedence rather than individualism and the competitive spirit of today; whether from early childhood, in the family, at school, and in the media; all coordinated we would instill genuine respect and the ability to put ourselves in other people’s shoes. Then the world would begin to be a little bit more humane.

Everyone recognizes that there is a lack of good manners in society today. Ideally, courses in etiquette would need to be supplemented with practical experiences during a child’s upbringing. This is what Epoch Times reporters from areas such as Spain to Australia discovered when they asked locals,

“Should schools and universities include courses in etiquette and good manners?”

Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question, “Do you believe a well-balanced diet needs supplements?”