May 08, 2017

Readers of the New York Times were treated today to a conversation about civility, decency, and "To Manner Born, To Manners Bred: A Hip-Pocket Guide to Etiquette for the Hampden-Sydney Man." 

In a piece titled "Seersucker and Civility" appearing in the New York Times' "On Campus" section, Trevor Starnes '17 and Chris Ross '18—the presidents, respectively, of the Young Democrats and College Republicans clubs at Hampden-Sydney—discussed the importance of respectful civil discourse and the value of a college education that emphasizes character development alongside intellectual growth.   

"[T]oday's college-age Americans will graduate to have an influential role in government and society," Trevor and Chris write. "Perhaps if our generation can combine raw passion with more old-fashioned ideals about politeness, we can transform disparate—yet potentially complementary—ideas into meaningful change.   

"We know this sounds idealistic. Repairing the American social fabric doesn't seem like an easy task. But as 'To Manner Born' says, 'what is important is that we do not fail to acknowledge each other.'"