Shubhangi Sharma: Why Are We So Formal?

    • Shubhangi Sharma,
    • Standard: VIII-B,
    • RYAN INTL. ROHINI ROHINI,
    • Delhi.

    • Publish Date: Nov 17 2016 6:13PM
    • |
    • Updated Date: Nov 19 2016 4:06PM
Shubhangi Sharma: Why Are We So Formal?

Every morning my teacher asks all the students, “How are you?” and the students in a robotic tone reply, “Fine, thank you”. It does not matter how they are actually feeling. We are taught to respond to certain questions in a certain manner, but I would like to ask, “Why are we so formal?” Why can’t I give a detailed explanation of my health when someone asks me “How are you?” 
As a kid, my mother told me to offer my food to the person beside me but when someone else offers me food, I should politely say, “No, thank you”. Although I abided by the ‘offering’ rule pretty nicely but it became a bit difficult to abide by the ‘no thank you’ rule. And once again I questioned my inner self,’ Why so formal?” 
In my personality development classes, a weird activity was held. It was called ‘Eating a Cutlet Formally’ and believe me it was even harder than my final term mathematics examination. First of all there was a cutlet on my plate, which for a foodie like me, was hard to resist. They told us to cut the cutlet with spoon and pick it with a fork. But for me it was impossible. At the end I ended up eating the cutlet without the fork or spoon but with my hand. And I questioned my last piece of cutlet, “Why do you demand to be eaten so formally” 
But when and from where this formality jumped in between me and the world? I guess formality used to be a kid called respect and was over pampered and so it started asking for more. But now I have decided to be informal as well as respectful. So the next time someone asks me “How are you?” I would say,” How sweet of you to ask me but I am not fine, I am suffering with cold as well as headache, I am also feeling pain in my right leg and I think that I should consult a doctor.” 
 

More From JUST ASK...

Comments

Nishi Upadhyay BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (SWASTHYA VHR)

Because this is respect according to us.

Aishwarya Iyer Deens Academy

Yes, many times we are much more formal than required. Especially with people you know, its very awkward to be formal. And there is no need. You should live normally and comfortably with people you know atleast, otherwise there is no happiness. The formality destroys enjoyment. We really need to stop ebing so formal about everything.Get a life people.

gandwaid sai sri jahnavi P OBUL REDDY PUBLIC SCHOOL

absolutely true.....always being formal is tooooo boring. Whenever I speak to others even in school except for teachers I hardly use correct sentences or right grammar, but that doesn''t make me a person who doesn''t know English. Most of them try to correct me, I take it even though I know what''s my mistake but if they try to insult me with that reason i fire out. Even with friends why do you want to use Shakespeare''s English friends?????

Yashita Nagpal BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (SWASTHYA VHR)

It is our relation with that person which decides how do we answer their questions and what do they really need to know about anything.

V.Ananya D.A.V. Public School

Ha Ha.Very true i have felt that way too .

Jeevika Eraiyoli NEW HORIZON THANE

I agree

Sharmeen Khan PADUA HIGH SCHOOL-MANKHURD

Formality is a part of your attitude. Many people think that being formal at several places makes you look standardized and also strong. However others believe that being yourself is the truest standard. I believe that a perfect mix of both should suffice,for you can not everywhere be all sporty and joking.There are places where we need to feel responsible and mature. Besides, places that have informal aims are the best to show your true selves.

Prakash.B Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

It is all a compliment...thought to us by our elders... And it is just followed by us from our childhood.... So we are so formal...

Himanshi Dhawan Saffron Public School

The society has certain rules and regulations which we are forced to follow. If you''ll not follow these rules, then you are considered "unethical/mannerless". And since the past so many years, these rules and regulation are followed, so it is also very difficult to object against these.

Vishakha Bhalla BOSCO SR.SEC.SCHOOL( PASCHIM VIHAR)

I agree that being formal not always is good but someone when asks about one''s health we can''t give them a rude reply that giving details about your bad health or the problems going on with you so that is why we are told by our parents to act formally, why to bother someone.

Haya Naved FATHER AGNEL SCHOOL(GAUTAM NAGAR)

I find this really true. Its such a wonderful and sensible piece of writing. Actually I feel the more formal we are the more difficult it is to express ourselves.

Brenda Marshal PADUA HIGH SCHOOL-MANKHURD

Yes that''s true. I also sometimes be formal. But I actually don''t like to be formal. I like to behave friendly with everyone. I don''t like to make differences. But before some kind of people like our school teacher, our head and anyone having authority more than us should be treated formally. This is what that particular person wants from us..

Deepalika Deb B.D.M. International

Sometimes we are formal because it''s what we are taught how to be and sometimes it''s because of civility. Often it makes the other person content when we are formal to them.

Bhumika Sethi SACRED HEART SCHOOL

There are times when we need to be a little ''behaved'' and act sensibly and maturely. Casual attitude does not work at all times. However putting in excess of formalities and cliche rituals takes away the essence of that particular activity. The need is to be original and respectful at same time.

Sajal Jain BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (SWASTHYA VHR)

Because we believe in trying to impress others by our gestures. But that is very wrong on our part. We should be same in and out.

POST YOUR OWN ARTICLE, PHOTO & VIDEO

SIMPLY FILL DETAILS & POST


 
SIGN UP & EXPLORE MORE...
*


*
* *
* *
img
REGISTRATION SUCCESSFUL...
THANK YOU FOR REGISTERING
  • About Us

Times Newspaper in Education (Times NIE) is a novel program that helps students ‘Stay Ahead’ and aims at making ‘Learning Fun’. It introduces concepts that help individual growth and development beyond school curriculum.

A brainchild of The Times of India, the world’s leading English newspapers, Times NIE nurtures progress and innovation. Adapted from the international concept, Times Newspaper in Education program (Times NIE) was initiated in India in 1985.

Today we have over 3000 schools and over 9 lac students subscribing to the programme, spanning 16 cities viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Lucknow, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Jaipur.

The Times of India Student edition, a customized student newspaper exclusively for the students, packs a powerful punch in terms of content that leads to a smarter and superior learning experience. The information is crafted such that it finds use in classroom discussions, thus making it relevant and current. It truly gives education a new dimension by fostering the simple habit of reading which in turn paves the way for a confident, informed and aware individual. A newspaper that inspires young minds and equips them to face challenges of today’s world, making way for global citizens.

Empowering students with new cutting-edge knowledge through various educative and informative activities is a commitment and tradition of Times NIE. The programme serves as a catalyst of education and interaction, as well as a window into the minds of the quintessential Indian youth. On a significant scale Times NIE comprises diverse interesting activities and events that boost the child’s passion for learning, while revealing hidden talent.

While you are aware that The Times of India is among the leading English Newspapers across the world, it has consummated its position as an everlasting winner. With several international awards and recognitions to its credit, The Times of India and Times NIE have validated an enduring tradition of setting the highest benchmarks in every respect. We have been awarded with the two most prestigious awards, Times NIE - World’s No.1 NIE program and The Times of India, Student Edition - World’s No.1 Newspaper for the youth in 2006 by the celebrated World Association of Newspapers (WAN). In 2008 we were honoured by the International Newspaper Marketing Association (INMA), yet another international recognition for ‘Youth Audience Development’. In 2013 we were again honoured by the celebrated World Association of Newspapers (WAN) as the ‘Times NIE - World’s Best Youth Engagement Program’.

Times NIE has grown remarkably over the last three and a half decades, touching millions of children across more than 16 Indian cities. Our absolute commitment towards the fledgling generation remains undiluted and our greatest strength lies in the school partnership and commitment.

  • Times NIE World Awards
EDIT STUDENT PROFILE...



img

JOIN NOW !!!

Create or join groups, share your views, ideas through posts (Text, Pictures & Videos)

GOT A QUERY?

FEEL FREE TO ASK HERE. GET IT ANSWERED BY EXPERTS

CLICK HERE TO SEE YOUR PREVIOUS QUERIES

win

Why You Think India Is Great....