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Loz, the tendency of Americans to drop "please" from their vocabulary was brought to my attention by two English guys visiting Los Angeles. I was taken aback by this because I was always under the assumption that we were sometimes excessively polite (Except when we're traveling. We can’t disappoint people expecting the "Ugly American," after all.)
As a result of being chastised by the two English fellas, I have made a point of saying "please."
I've encountered this all over the place. In response, when people ask me to do something and don't say 'please', I respond with, "Please?". If they don't say it, then I kill them with my bare hands. ;>
I often do that with kids, but if it's someone my own age or older, or their parent is with them and doesn't correct them themselves I don't feel confident enough to say anything. Maybe I should. What's the worst that could happen?
"Dear Sir, I was in the library yesterday with my child and the librarian dared to instruct her on how to be polite. As a parent I have decided that my child shall grow up to be an ill-mannered brat who never has to say please to anyone. Please reprimand your member of staff for being expected to be treated like a human being."
Commenting by HaloScan
