You can't be truly rude until you understand good manners

You can't be truly rude until you understand good manners

Rita Mae Brown, an American writer and activist, is known for her sharp wit and unapologetic attitude. She is not one to shy away from controversial topics or speak her mind, often pushing the boundaries of polite society. However, despite her reputation for being brash and outspoken, Brown understands the importance of good manners and the role they play in society.

The quote, "You can't be truly rude until you understand good manners," speaks to the idea that in order to effectively break societal norms and challenge the status quo, one must first have a deep understanding of those norms and the manners that uphold them. Brown's own experiences growing up in the conservative South likely shaped her understanding of the power dynamics at play in polite society. By mastering the rules of etiquette and decorum, she was able to navigate these spaces with ease, all while pushing back against the constraints they placed on her.

Brown's understanding of good manners also allows her to effectively subvert them in her writing and activism. By knowing the rules, she is able to break them in a way that is both intentional and impactful. Her sharp tongue and biting humor are not simply a result of ignorance or lack of manners, but a deliberate choice to challenge the status quo and provoke thought.

In many ways, Brown's ability to be truly rude stems from her deep understanding of good manners. By knowing the rules, she is able to break them in a way that is both subversive and thought-provoking. Her refusal to conform to societal expectations is not simply a result of ignorance or lack of manners, but a deliberate choice to challenge the norms that hold us back.