Ideas About Social Norms

¶ … social norms that individuals need to follow or are expected to follow at a dining table -- be it at home or in a public setting. These table etiquettes are both formal and non-formal in nature. The setting of dining often determines the etiquettes that are desired from individuals. For example, is one is dining at home, one is expected to follow lesser of the formal norms and etiquettes that are expected from the same individual while dining in public or during business meetings.

The reactions that are expected from others would include a set of norms and etiquettes that start with the proper use of cutlery like the proper use of forks, knives and spoons, use of proper eating etiquettes while having food like not making funny noises while eating and waiting till all are ready to start with lunch or dinner. For example, it is expected that an individual would use a soup spoon or the proper cutlery to have soup.

It would not be normal for someone to try and have soup with a fork. Another important table etiquette that one expects others to follow is to more or less follow the sequence of eating. For example, while it is almost customary to start a formal or even an informal dinner or lunch with a soup if available, it would not be proper for an individual for someone to start off a dinner with desserts first.

Although different cuisines have different eating norms as far as the dishes are concerned, it is advised that if one is not aware of which dishes to be had first and which ones should follow, one should take a cue from someone at the table who knows the matter. The norms of dining have been developed over the years.

While different societies and cultures have their own set of table etiquettes to follow, almost all of them entail giving respect to the food and to the guests and other individuals that one is having food with. If one is not in the habit of following these norms, and if they become public or are somehow published, there would be a sense of significant discomfort and shame for me.

Being a social person and part of a society, I am aware that I the society expect me to follow the norms like the ones at a dining table. In situations where those norms are not followed, they would seem not normal and often are branded as being obscene when done in front of others. Hence, this would bring a sense of shame and discomfort. However, it would not perhaps have a significant impact on life chances.

It is obvious that if others come to know of this shortcoming of not following the norms, their reactions would be adverse and I as an individual could be branded as being one who is uncultured and perhaps not normal. These can also force others to brand me as someone who does not display respect for others and care little about the societal norms.

While this can only be due to lack of ability or inclination to follow particular norms of society or culture, it can have the effect of me being branded as someone who tends not to follow societal norms and can be automatically related to matters other than the one that had caused the initial reaction. These reactions often leave a profound impact on most. If one is branded as being uncultured or of.