Post by Damia on Oct 30, 2009 8:28:57 GMT -8
Another day in my shoes. Though I should say now I am not as exciting as others who write on here, and I'd like to thank so many for having so many interesting topics to think about.
That being said, once more in my travels across this city, another musing has settled in my mind. Though this one has perhaps always been prevalent as of late I notice it more then ever. And yet another conversation helped me to identify that.
It is no secret that there are a few vampires known for politeness above others, Ophelia, Jean DeVenn, Black dragonet, Vermathrax, Asmia and of course a few others. Three of these along with some long gone, have been those I myself looked up to. And though I have known Black for a very short time, he too has joined the ranks of those I give a nod to in this musing. For it is also no secret that I value politeness, even if bluntly stated, and thought out words.
Though in this ever changing city of ours, it seems that this is no longer the norm. I know a few might speak up and say that it never was. But I remember in my youth of this city, looking into random discussions held in various halls, wondering at the polite conversations that dripped with scorn and sarcasm, though still smiles and polite nods were passed around. Civilized but the layer of vicious blood sucking immortal lurking beneath. Or watching those extravagant parties held in taverns and inns, containing ladies and gentleman who through out their words, parrying wit skillfully even as they were propositioning the other for a good time later that evening.
Now I find myself watching a changed city. Though of course there were always those who were blunter then others in style, such as Sedya who while we may not agree on everything, I still hold in respect for verbally crossing swords as skillful as any mentioned. But in this newest age of immortality, I see easy conquests, rude speaking and barely a head nod to civility of acknowledging those who have earned it. Perhaps cities and ages must change, but I still have to wonder when did we lose politeness? Or did we never have it at all? I know that some will also say I am foolish to worry about such things. But to me, raised in an era where one was judged on a minute movement or even a simple sentence on the weather, I have always personally found it hard to even be impolite. Much less as blunt and crass as some enjoy being.
And while I understand that shock value carries with it dramatic effect, it still seems like so many value being vulgar in words and actions, instead of thinking each of these important skills carefully.
Yes, I also understand that being polite is seen as weakness. Having actually been told this to my face by a few. But when one considers the skill of being polite, I do not find it a weakness at all. For being polite is more dangerous I think then being vulgar and blunt. For with one soft spoke sentence, I have seen a lady tear down someones reputation where as all their blustering cuss words did nothing more then make them the bigger fool in that situation. Even as many a polite person can tell you, or those left anyways, that so much can be hidden by gesture or even well spoken paragraph. Where as the rude person can barely hide a thing as they are all too eager to show off that they can be the biggest one on the block with all the short worded language they know.
Forgive me my long windness, but this is a subject I hold much passion for. And I am not stating that all have to be polite or even that I will be that type of police patrolling for those who aren't.
I simply find it sad and curious that our city has seemed to lose a politeness that might go a longer way then some of the rude behaviors I constantly see.
edit: for spelling and grammer and such heh. and tired stupid errors. *Stabs the tiredness*
That being said, once more in my travels across this city, another musing has settled in my mind. Though this one has perhaps always been prevalent as of late I notice it more then ever. And yet another conversation helped me to identify that.
It is no secret that there are a few vampires known for politeness above others, Ophelia, Jean DeVenn, Black dragonet, Vermathrax, Asmia and of course a few others. Three of these along with some long gone, have been those I myself looked up to. And though I have known Black for a very short time, he too has joined the ranks of those I give a nod to in this musing. For it is also no secret that I value politeness, even if bluntly stated, and thought out words.
Though in this ever changing city of ours, it seems that this is no longer the norm. I know a few might speak up and say that it never was. But I remember in my youth of this city, looking into random discussions held in various halls, wondering at the polite conversations that dripped with scorn and sarcasm, though still smiles and polite nods were passed around. Civilized but the layer of vicious blood sucking immortal lurking beneath. Or watching those extravagant parties held in taverns and inns, containing ladies and gentleman who through out their words, parrying wit skillfully even as they were propositioning the other for a good time later that evening.
Now I find myself watching a changed city. Though of course there were always those who were blunter then others in style, such as Sedya who while we may not agree on everything, I still hold in respect for verbally crossing swords as skillful as any mentioned. But in this newest age of immortality, I see easy conquests, rude speaking and barely a head nod to civility of acknowledging those who have earned it. Perhaps cities and ages must change, but I still have to wonder when did we lose politeness? Or did we never have it at all? I know that some will also say I am foolish to worry about such things. But to me, raised in an era where one was judged on a minute movement or even a simple sentence on the weather, I have always personally found it hard to even be impolite. Much less as blunt and crass as some enjoy being.
And while I understand that shock value carries with it dramatic effect, it still seems like so many value being vulgar in words and actions, instead of thinking each of these important skills carefully.
Yes, I also understand that being polite is seen as weakness. Having actually been told this to my face by a few. But when one considers the skill of being polite, I do not find it a weakness at all. For being polite is more dangerous I think then being vulgar and blunt. For with one soft spoke sentence, I have seen a lady tear down someones reputation where as all their blustering cuss words did nothing more then make them the bigger fool in that situation. Even as many a polite person can tell you, or those left anyways, that so much can be hidden by gesture or even well spoken paragraph. Where as the rude person can barely hide a thing as they are all too eager to show off that they can be the biggest one on the block with all the short worded language they know.
Forgive me my long windness, but this is a subject I hold much passion for. And I am not stating that all have to be polite or even that I will be that type of police patrolling for those who aren't.
I simply find it sad and curious that our city has seemed to lose a politeness that might go a longer way then some of the rude behaviors I constantly see.
edit: for spelling and grammer and such heh. and tired stupid errors. *Stabs the tiredness*