3 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Imagine you are sitting quietly in the park listening to a lovely classical symphony on your MP3 player with your headphones. Would you stand someone coming right up next to you and whispering about how dumb the music you're listening to is? This would be really discoursing and you would assume the person whispering has social issues. In reality, this scenario happens often. I wish to inform at least a fraction of the public of the necessity of concert manners.

In society, there are set of common guidelines on how one is to act in the presence of other people. This is called etiquette. We teach these rules to little kids at a very young age, demanding that they should act respectfully and are aware of others. Back through history you can see that these rules used to be very strict. For instance, imagine an insulted French gentleman. It's perfectly plausible that he should duel his insulter to the death. Over time, these rules have become less and less strict and impolite behavior has become more and more tolerated.
Rude behavior can, in most settings, be ignored or overlooked. If I challenged every rude person to a duel, the majority of the people at my school would be dead (or I would be dead a long time ago, take your pick). In a more formal setting than school, it becomes much more obvious and an even greater problem. Trying to listen to music or watch a play while someone is whispering in the background is very obnoxious. Disruptions are also not limited to whispering and conversation. Unwrapping candy, gum chewing, use of glowing cell-phones, restlessness, giggle fits, stupid noises, cat-calls, and sniffing are all problems.
Why has etiquette in performances declined like it has? I have noticed a decline in how people are aware of others around them. Have you ever been at a meeting and someone starts gabbing on their cell phone. Did they once think, "Oh! I might be interrupting! I shouldn't take this call!" Another factor, especially on the note of plays and concerts, is the convenience of watching movies and listening to music at home. When you watch a movie at home with your girlfriend, you can talk all you want. No one will get annoyed, and certainly the actors of the movie won't feel hurt for you not paying attention. The same goes for listening to music. When people go to a performance with the attitude of watching a movie at home, there are problems.
I had an experience just a week ago at a concert. My sister and I were waiting quietly and patiently

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Audience etiquette for concerts?
We want to hear your view. Write now!