Do manners count? Yes, they do; However, since most parents have gone to work, children are less likely to sit with their parents and learn manners from them. Although America is a melting pot of cultures with diverse ideas about good manners (Packer 22) and the subject of good manners is complex (Hall 185), the standards of good manners of various cultures are similar. Good manners are the same as civilized behavior and moral etiquette that involve respect, consideration, generosity, and thoughtfulness toward others (Stewart 14). What goes around comes around; therefore, people should treat others as they wish to be treated themselves (Stewart 1). In fact, people would like to be with people who have good manners (Brandenberg 2). Therefore, good manners should be taught in the 21st century because it not only helps people become educated and competitive, but it also helps the world become peaceful and smooth. First of all, people are more educated and competitive if they have good manners. Ladies and gentlemen who have good manners appear more educated, more honorable and superior than other ill-mannered people. Dr. Sokolosky believes that "all things being equal in terms of skills and abilities, the person who leaves a good, positive impression will come out on top" (Ricketts, par. 9), meaning that in a group of people with the same skills, the one with good manners will be the winner; thus, good manners can improve competitiveness. Moreover, my teacher Eadus said that good manners are the most important part of social skills, which is true because good manners affect people's interpersonal relationships and social communications. In fact, dining is a major social event in people's lives; therefore, good table manners are essential and conducive to showing one's education, while faulty table manners can cause punishment from mothers, embarrassment in front of friends, or being dumped by dates ( Packer 268). I had one of the most embarrassing experiences of my life. When I was young, I played with my food and held my knife and fork awkwardly until one day I dropped my entire piece of steak on the woman sitting at the next table. At that point I was totally embarrassed and scared while the woman was yelling at me and telling me I was a rude child. After that, I went to borrow some books to learn table manners. “The way you behave at the table sends very clear signals about the kind of person you are” (Cooper, par...