Growing up, every kid has their favourite book. For my brother, it was 'The Jungle Book'. He was totally obsessed with it. To the point that Dad couldn't bear to read us another word about Mowgli or Baloo.
But for me, it was a much more gracious number that captured my attention: 'Disney's Elegant Book Of Manners'. The glossy jacket cover with the gold gilded border - it was just so posh! As my mother kindly reminds, I used to carry it around the house with pride. And I've still got it - in mint condition, of course.
'Disney's Elegant Book Of Manners', published in 1985. Source: SBS
Because: "The things that you own are entrusted to you. Don't neglect or abuse them, whatever you do."
Yes, you guessed it - the entire book is written in rhyme. And boy did author Vincent Jefferds have a jolly good time.
It covers everything from your basic please and thank yous to table manners, and why you shouldn't lie (Pinocchio is prime example), or let your dog poop on your neighbour's lawn (never too early to rub that one in, I guess).
But in-between all the rules about knives and forks, and sharing and shouting, there are some rather poignant points about life.
Captain Hook, how uncouth! Source: SBS
Donald wants a bun. Source: SBS
"People come in every shape and size,
They can't all be pleasing to your eyes.
If you meet someone odd someday,
Don't comment on his looks.
Just act in a normal, natural way -
You've seen worse in comic books."
Bullying, in true Disney style, ladies and gentlemen.
It might sound silly, but I credit/blame this book for my lifelong obsession with good manners. I'll happily admit that I am a stickler for dress codes. If the invite says "black tie" you don't turn up in jeans and a t-shirt. If you're invited to someone's home for dinner, offer a contribution, even if it's just bread or a bottle of wine.
Poor Tommy Jones. Source: SBS
And yet every day I see adults pushing and shoving their way through life. Elbowing fellow passengers just for a seat on the train. Talking on the phone while a cashier tries to finalise a lunch order. Wearing pyjamas to the shops. Are we really that time-poor that we can't hold the door open for someone who has their hands full, or help a parent struggling with a pram up stairs, or even get dressed before leaving the house?
"Manners weren't simply invented
So young people could be tormented
By grown-up folks who never miss
A chance to say, 'Do that and this.'
Manners are the social mold
That fits the same for young or old.
Manners are man's best creation
For showing each other consideration."
Hear, hear, Mickey and friends!
