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| Picnic Pops; Just a casual family event | |
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| Topic Started: Jul 13 2007, 11:14 PM (425 Views) | |
| Post #1 Jul 13 2007, 11:14 PM |
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Our local symphony orchestra hosts a concert series every summer called Picnic Pops. It's outdoors on the grounds of a local ski resort. They erect a temporary amphitheater and sound system at the bottom of the hill. In the very front, there are picnic tables set up where they serve a BBQ picnic (these are the expensive seats!) and behind that there is lawn seating where patrons can bring their own picnics, blankets, and chairs. We picked what I thought was a pretty good spot, 10 rows or so behind the picnic table area, a little more to the right of the stage (facing the stage.) My son and his friend have decided to take orchestra next year in school (5th grade.) I thought they would enjoy this concert because it featured music from several sci-fi movies, the biggest attraction being 5 movements from Star Wars. Also included was Star Trek and 2001 Space Odyssey. However, in front of us there were 2 couples and 6 children in a group, and all of them were constantly chattering and moving around, getting up to get into their coolers (which were right in front of me) to get fruit and pop, cheese and wine, and getting up to put trash into their little trash bag. The 2 youngest, both beautiful little girls, were constantly milling around and talking and playing. Everyone around that group was distracted by all the activity, staring and shaking their heads. They never shut up and sit still until the Star Wars portion of the show, which was, of course, at the end. But, I was determined not to let it ruin this wonderful music for me, so I did my best to ignore them. I wanted SO BADLY to say something like, "Excuse me, but we would appreciate it if your group could settle down a little bit so those of us around you aren't so distracted?" But, you just never know about people these days, considering how UNcivil society has become. I didn't want to start anything that I couldn't finish, especially in front of my son and his friend. So I would like to thank those adults who conducted themselves with respect and consideration for others, as well as parents who at least tried to make sure that their children were relatively quiet and calm, given that this was an informal and casual family event. I would like to offer a sincere thank-you to those who are considerate of others who are trying to enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Symphony Orchestra! You helped to make the event enjoyable for all those around you. |
Civilian
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| Post #2 Jul 14 2007, 07:37 AM |
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An important aspect of civility is being aware of those around you, acknowledging the impact of your behavior on others, and altering your behavior in order not to unnecessarily bother them. It also includes doing the above for your children who have not yet completely developed a sense of being one among many others and helping them develop that sense. While I applaud your restraint, I think a single polite comment would be in order. When they rudely accuse you of ruining their day, as they almost surely will, the only way you can avoid becoming a disruption yourself would be to say nothing more. But, we can hope that someone else heard the exchange and became just a little more civil as a result. Remember, often when you say something to one person, you are really hoping to impact another. (This is really true on message boards!) |
Administrator
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| Post #3 Aug 1 2007, 08:22 PM |
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| Sometimes you can find a moment that the offender (particlarly if it is a child) is not doing whatever is bothersome and thank them for it or compliment them. For example if the children did calm down for a moment you could tell their Mom how wonderfully polite they are being. |
Civil Servant
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| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
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4:58 PM May 20