R-E-S-P-E-C-T [Was: Re: OT: Concert Etiquette]

[Beth]

Ummm... perhaps I should apologize for posting a vent that started 
such a heated conversation? 

I would like to point out that it was an entire rude /family/ that 
sat behind me last night, making snide comments that "wouldn't 
disturb anyone. We were talking quietly." I have been appalled at 
the behavior of adults, who use such concerts as a venue to catch up 
with their friends while their children sing their hearts out on 
stage.

As far as the vulgar language is concerned, it does seem that 
younger people are freer with shocking language--in any generation. 
Isn't that a joke in _The Music Man_? That girl who keeps 
exclaiming "Ye gods!" (or is it Egad!? It's been a while since I've 
seen it.) Interestingly, within the last decade a law regarding 
cursing still on the state of Michigan's books was challenged by a 
man who was charged with using obscenities in front of women and 
children (among other things. I think the police were really annoyed 
with the guy!). I guess it fell by the wayside along with the 
spitting on the sidewalk prohibitions.

I'm not thrilled when a group of teenagers laces their conversation 
with obscenities within earshot of my children, but if I never 
wanted them to hear them, I'd have to keep their father from ever 
doing home repair jobs. I'm not thrilled to have the older group of 
sewing ladies at my church make a comment about "I just wonder how 
their children will look" regarding so-called "mixed marriages", so 
I just firmly say, "Beautiful" and look for opportunities to teach 
her a better way of thinking. I know I could have used last night's 
fiasco as a teaching moment and not lost my top, but fortunately, my 
family wasn't around (my daughter was singing and the others were 
elsewhere) when I had a weak moment.

My main concern, and I think it was expressed by many regarding 
different issues, is how do we show respect toward one another? I 
didn't particularly enjoy the "guest choir" that so many walked out 
on last night, but it would have been rude to leave, especially 
since they made a one hour trip to perform for us, gratis. I may not 
agree with the points-of-view of each person here, but I appreciate 
the opportunity for us to discuss them (or lurk and read them as is 
often my way) and I hope we can do it in an attitude of mutual 
respect. 

Beth, who always wanted to get a conversation started and is now 
reminded "be careful what you wish for"