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Article: Politeness and the Environment
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- June 26, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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DEAR MISS MANNERS:
I have noticed that many people regard discourteous and even
abusive treatment of our natural environment as less objectionable
than similar treatment directed toward humans.
For example, clear-cutting old-growth redwoods incites less
emotion in many people than their neighbor's untidy lawn.
Similarly, an act that would be considered offensive if
performed by a human is not considered offensive if performed by a
machine.
For example, driving a car is considered benign, whereas
obvious flatulence is not. Using a leaf blower is considered
unexceptional, whereas a person making that kind of noise would soon
end up either in jail or the loony bin.
Although both ...