A Place for Everything

Thank you so much for your article “District Finds a Place for the Social Graces” (Sun., Nov. 24). I, too, am convinced that the Beverly Hills school officials are correct in their view that good manners breed a better human being (“success in life”) and agree with their plan to teach the new etiquette program.

Manners and politeness are a buffer in a society whose population growth, culture clash and difficult economic times--breeding envy and even anger--cause the individual to feel alienated from fellow inhabitants.

The tension of crowding, racial tensions and economic differences breed such unpleasantness that even a “charade” of politeness is more acceptable than the rudeness that often results, though genuine inter-humane treatment would be prefered.

To view young people growing up rude, crude and bourish is most unfortunate and the thought that they will become callous and crude businesspeople is even worse!

I applaud the Beverly Hills school officials and would hope that other school districts follow-suit. The contemporary world is a difficult enough place in which to exist, the urban environment even stiffling, so any program or teaching(?) which will exist to dilute or mitigate that difficulty and make life even one-iota more pleasant is most appreciated.

ELAINE LIVESEY-FASSEL

Los Angeles