09-05-2005, 07:41 PM
Joseph Heath's new book "The Rebel Sell" contains a section on Freud's "superego," the part of the mind that suppresses our desires to do whatever we want, when we want. He details some of the societal pressures which shape each era's superego, and how they, and we, have evolved. (He also notes that Pink Floyd's "The Wall" refers to the superego... nifty huh?)
Anyway, here's some helpful hints that are sure to impress:
13th Century table manners book:
- Those who like mustard and salt should avoid the filthy habit of putting their fingers into them
- It is unseemly to blow ones nose into the tablecloth
- Do not spit on or over the dinner table
- It is bad manners to keep your helmet on when serving ladies
15th Century table manners book:
- Before you sit down, make sure that your seat has not been fouled
- While seated for dinner, do not touch yourself under your clothes with your bare hands
- Do not offer anyone a piece of food you have bitten into
16th Century manners booklet:
- Let no one, whoever he may be, before, during or after meals, foul the staircases or closets with urine or other filth. Direct them to the subscribed and suitable places for such relief
18th Century handbook:
- If you pass a person who is relieving himself, you should act as if you do not see him, as it would be impolite to greet him
- If wind from the body can be purged without sound, that is best. It should be done alone, if not, it should be in accordance with the ancient proverb, let a cough hide the sound.
By the 19th century, spittoons in front hallways were common in colonial Canada. An 1859 publication ended the fun for all of us: "Spitting is at all times a disgusting habit - never indulge in it." However, another pamphlet advises that it was acceptable to spit on the floor during dinner, "as long as the foot covers the sputum."
And from the zany and backward days of 1979: "A lady should eat before going out on a dinner date, so that she will be able to nibble delicately on her food at the restaurant and not look like a pig."
Anyway, here's some helpful hints that are sure to impress:
13th Century table manners book:
- Those who like mustard and salt should avoid the filthy habit of putting their fingers into them
- It is unseemly to blow ones nose into the tablecloth
- Do not spit on or over the dinner table
- It is bad manners to keep your helmet on when serving ladies
15th Century table manners book:
- Before you sit down, make sure that your seat has not been fouled
- While seated for dinner, do not touch yourself under your clothes with your bare hands
- Do not offer anyone a piece of food you have bitten into
16th Century manners booklet:
- Let no one, whoever he may be, before, during or after meals, foul the staircases or closets with urine or other filth. Direct them to the subscribed and suitable places for such relief
18th Century handbook:
- If you pass a person who is relieving himself, you should act as if you do not see him, as it would be impolite to greet him
- If wind from the body can be purged without sound, that is best. It should be done alone, if not, it should be in accordance with the ancient proverb, let a cough hide the sound.
By the 19th century, spittoons in front hallways were common in colonial Canada. An 1859 publication ended the fun for all of us: "Spitting is at all times a disgusting habit - never indulge in it." However, another pamphlet advises that it was acceptable to spit on the floor during dinner, "as long as the foot covers the sputum."
And from the zany and backward days of 1979: "A lady should eat before going out on a dinner date, so that she will be able to nibble delicately on her food at the restaurant and not look like a pig."
