Some manners (proper social
behavior) are the same across the United States. Other manners may be more common in
certain areas of the nation than in other parts. Because I was born and raised
in the Southern part of the United States, and I still live in the south, this
article will be more specific about manners and customs in the South.
Alcohol
America has a love-hate relationship with alcohol.
There are many Americans that do not drink alcohol of any kind. In fact, there
are many cities and areas in the South where it is illegal to buy alcohol. Most
of these areas are small cities and towns. The number of these places grows
smaller each year, but they do still exist. Drinking in public is usually
frowned upon, unless at a sporting event, and being drunk in public will get
you arrested and fined by the police. The police are more relaxed on this law
during holidays, but it is never good to walk around the city streets in a
drunken state. Americans must be at least 21 years of age to purchase alcohol
and it is illegal to give minors (18 and under) alcohol unless done so by their
parents. It is very illegal to have open containers of alcohol in your car
while driving. The police actively enforce drinking and driving laws; and
citizens will typically report drinking and driving to the police if they see
it on the road.
Smoking
Most cities in America have made it illegal to smoke inside
restaurants, office buildings, government buildings, or public spaces where
crowds are gathered. A person may smoke in their home, in most bars or smoking
lounges, or outdoors, if it is a wide open space not crowded with people.
Americans must be at least 18 to purchase tobacco and if a minor is caught
smoking under age they could be fined by the police. This does not happen very
often because the police are too busy to enforce such laws. However, the police
will do undercover operations once in a while to make sure businesses are not
selling alcohol or tobacco to teenagers. If a business is caught they could
lose their license to operate and be forced to be closed, as well as pay a large
fine.
Conversation
When talking to an American
it is good to stand about 2 feet away (0.6 meters) while having a conversation.
Americans like their personal space. Do not be surprised if you step too close
to a person for them to slowly move back away from you. If you are a stranger
to them they might even ask you to back up.
If you are approaching a
complete stranger and need help or information, call to a man by saying, “Sir”
and to a woman by saying, “Miss” or “Ma’am.” If you meet a woman, and you do
not know if she is married or not, it is polite to say, “Miss.” If she is
married she might reply, “It is Misses.” (Ms or Miss is pronounced like miss.
Mrs. is pronounced as miss-iz.)
If you are speaking to
someone in authority or someone older than you it is polite to say, “Yes, Sir”
or “No, Sir.” Or “Yes, Ma’am” or “No, Ma’am” in reply to a question. This is
more common in the South and in the smaller towns and cities of the South. It
is more formal and is polite. It is also common to refer to an older person by
their family name. If talking to an older man named Johnson you would speak to
him or refer to him as Mister (Mr.) Johnson. If talking to his wife you would
refer to her as Misses (Mrs.) Johnson.
QUESTIONS:
1. What are views about
alcohol in your city?
2. What are the laws about
teenagers and alcohol and tobacco in your city?
3. What is the appropriate
amount of space between strangers when talking? What is it in your city or
country?
4. How do you refer to an
older man or older woman?