PERISCOPE

Etiquette is the expected social behavior based on conventional norms in a society, class or group. For example, it is expected that two Bengali Muslims would start their conversation by saying salaam. Likewise, there is etiquette for using a toilet or takin shower. There’s also etiquette for doing everything in a socially acceptable way.

The problem with etiquette is similar etiquettes should not be expected from every person, group, class and society one may belong to. Smaller groups tend to expect more etiquettes than the society at large, since censure for failure to maintain etiquette would be immediate and direct.

Unfortunately, the public education system in Bangladesh teaches no functional etiquettes. Hence, children rarely learn etiquettes at school, college or University. The only place children learn etiquettes is at home and in the family, usually taught by parents or elderly relatives. But what happens, when these crucial parents are unaware of etiquettes? The teachers in schools can also teach etiquettes, if they’re competent teachers. But what happens when teachers themselves are unaware of etiquettes? Failure on both counts mean, we end up with a society which is rude, selfish and fragmented, missing the etiquette connection which opens and sustains channels of communication.

And by the way, there’re etiquettes for Social Media too. Your likes, responses and comments also tell about who you are and which social background you came from. Take care and please remember that ignorance is only bliss to the ignorant.

Abu Ahmed
Dhaka University

First time I’ve bought this magazine. I think it is one of the best English magazines in Bangladesh. All the topics of the magazine are so attractive and informative. Best wishes for Perspective.

Dinarul Islam
University of Chittagong.