Common courtesy Quote by Lilian Jackson Braun
““The Madame deplored fat men. They had no laps, and of what use is a lapless human? Nevertheless, she gave him the common courtesy of a sniff at his trouser cuffs and immediately backed away, twitching her nose and showing her teeth.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner, 1924
A character mocks a man’s physical appearance, showing prejudice based on body shape, yet offers a polite gesture before recoiling.
In simple terms: Judgment based on looks, with a forced courtesy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge superficial judgments.
Themes
prejudice
appearance
social etiquette
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
social commentary
satire
When to use this quote
- social interactions
- first impressions
- workplace dynamics
Key Concepts
body shaming
bias
courtesy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we confront hidden biases in polite society?
- Can courtesy ever be genuine when prejudice exists?
A Different Perspective
Politeness can mask underlying bias.
