This is Alpha, the first-born, when he was 2YO.
This is Beta, the second-born, when he was about 2YO.
This is Gamma, the third-born, when he was about 18MO.
Being Socially Responsible
Jun
30
2011
Much of the discussion about being socially responsible relates to corporations’ actions. (e.g. “What can this company do to improve its social responsibility?”)
But what about personal social responsibility? Why is that not a larger topic?
Here is a list of some things I see as what a socially responsible person does. I will attempt to instill these in my children as parts of a civilized society. This is just what people are supposed to do. These are not necessarily rules, but I know I would rather live in a community where these were practiced more often than not.
- Look at the person to whom you are speaking
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Offer your chair to the elderly (or to a lady if you’re a gentleman)
- Address elders as Mr., Mrs., or Sir, Ma’am
- Say please, thank you, and you’re welcome
- Use a salutation or valediction when meeting or departing from someone (say hello or good-bye)
- Be able to apologize
- Chew with your mouth closed
- Say excuse me when appropriate
- Hold doors open for others
- Find the end of the line and wait in it
- Watch your language
- Ladies should be served before gentlemen
- Offer to help if you see someone in need
In the old days, these things were known as manners or maybe even common courtesy. I guess they fell out of favor and need a new buzzword (i.e. social responsibility) to become popular again.
Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.
Luke 6:31
This little article thingy was written by Some Guy sometime around 6:35 am and has been carefully placed in the Life category.
June 30th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
I had thought these were all basic things, common knowledge. But they are not. Even among adults. It’s sad, really.
June 30th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Personal responsibility isn’t a larger topic because it’s considerably easier for me to talk about things large corporations should be doing instead of talking about things I should be doing. I can proclaim that Big Company, Inc should be responsible in this way and that way, and it requires exactly no further effort from me. But if I say I should be responsible…well, then I have to make an effort to be responsible. That’s no fun.
July 1st, 2011 at 6:43 am
As a mom to 4 children I agree! These should all go without saying, but sadly they are not. I would add one more. Don’t talk while someone else is talking. People (and children) think they need to toss in their opinion or just express it to the person sitting next to them, whenever it comes to mind. It is just plain rude.
July 1st, 2011 at 6:51 pm
I’m wondering what happened recently to get that on your mind…
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:40 am
It was an article in Reader’s Digest.