Be polite

Chiedza Matenga
As we grow up, we are all taught what to say and when to say it, how to say it and when to do it. So why then do we have so many people who are rude and inconsiderate? Because at some point, especially in our teens we choose to forget all those lessons that we have been taught and become some brash and rude people. Why? What is cool about being so ignorant and uncivilised?

Is it because parents are no longer as strict as they used to be? I remember the way that my parents were so strict on the maintenance of good manners.

We knew that if we misbehaved in the presence of visitors mother would give you that talking eye. A cautionary statement usually followed or some punishment as soon as the visitors departed. In the village, granny’s punishment meant the fine chicken parts were awarded to the well behaved. My cousin Hazvinei would always comment “It’s not fair.” Whenever that happened we knew she would only get the gravy.  On most occasions she would have caught the cock after some chase.

As we grew, we realised this was supposed to teach us manners.  “What you are taught is supposed to make you have good manners at all times. It will get you far in life,” my father always said. Judging from the way he was polite it was probably true. His arguments only involve soccer matches.

We were taught five important phrases that would lead us in life. Mother stressed on appreciating someone with a ‘thank you.’ This shows that one respects the amount of time someone took to think of you.

During my fifth grade, my classmate said “Can I have your pen?” and I said “Certainly you can but not till you use the special word.”  Big brother Dan had taught us that the word please was special and had magic in it.

I also figured that the word ‘skuz’ came from ‘excuse me’. Quite hilarious but however it gives one the attention or passage they desire.
Some people are not as socially capable as others. For some it may be lack of confidence. Greeting the elders starting with parents each morning is regarded as politeness.  My little sister Queen always complains “Why must I greet you — we are always together.” It is mother’s rule for us to check on each other’s welfare each morning. “I check on you, you check on me” I informed her that was the rule for our home.

“Learn to say I am sorry” — My parents stressed that whenever you hurt others do apologise. My father made a joke that in as much as men have too much pride to apologise one must always have the strength to do it.

Guys, life is a journey and while we travel this long journey let’s remember the five principle words above.  Those born ahead of us have seen it all and our responsibility is just to take heed. The person who says excuse me to you today might be the person you say to tomorrow.