Etiquette is defined as the rules of proper behavior in society and in professional practice, including actions among members of society or profession in dealings with others. As America moved into the early 20th century, many newcomers to the growing middle class found themselves ignorant of the rules of society. Think about it for a moment. Common folks like my grandparents found themselves moving from farms and coal camps where the possession of a fork and spoon for the whole family was a luxury to a gentile life where dinner parties featured a plethora of silver service and a half dozen plates. They had good intentions, but sometimes the right behavior perplexed them.
Enter Emily Post and a few others who dedicated themselves to advising common folk on the rules of polite society. The efforts of this small group of people did much to quell the anxieties and create a better society. We all benefited from their efforts. But in spite of all the work laid down by these pioneers, etiquette is still a hot topic. Why? Societal changes drive a need to review and revamp the rules of the past. Being an expert on 1950s etiquette does not rule out social blunders in 2015.