An Irrational Peeve

I suspect when when future paleontologists start sifting through the remains of early 20th century man, they might very describe it as the Age Of Oakley. Walk into any diner, cafe, fast-food restaurant and you will see people of all ages, male and female using their heads as a shelf or table to place their outdoor sun wear. This is my irrational peeve of the month. Back in more civilized days, people would leave their extra accoutrement's in their vehicle or  place them on the table in front of them.  Now we tend not to dispense with such etiquette; we keep them draped on our heads like scarves or symbols of coolness for everyone to see.

These pictures were taken just last week at an utter forgettable diner called Paisano's.  The small area was cozy and I had a chance to scour the room and, unbelievably, more than half of the patrons had the cool shades propped, plopped and pivoted upon their chewing heads.  My late Uncle used to put large plastic tags in his cattle's ears.  These people had a similar look about them.

There is the usual shades propped in one's hair.  

And every now and again we get the double hat and shades while eating.  Emily Post, bless her heart, where are you when we need you the most.  Etiquette is dead in America.  

And lest you think this is just a manly thing, women join in with equal fervor.

It is just so cool to demonstrate your ill-manners with the entire family.

This was taken at Cracker Barrel, and we have the Mother-Father duo shade faux pas. 

But then why should we be surprised etiquette is dead in America?  Government is dead,  education is dying,  the ability to peacefully protest died last week,  the middle class is withering, the American Dream is on life-support, and unbiased news reporting passed away years ago.  The public no longer wants fictional entertainment, but to peer luridly into others people's fractured lives as witnessed by Reality TV shows.  Hollywood has lost its creativity and puts out prequels and sequels and comedies geared toward the newly pubescent.  It's called the Dumbing Down of America.   The most visible manifestation is the death of manners, and I'll bet you'll see it next time you go to McDonalds.  

POSTSCRIPT:

Just after having written the above diatribe, I checked my email and in it was a post from my friend Richard Barton from Burgess.  He passed along this short video of ill-manners and disrespect from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  I am passing it along to you as further evidence of the dumbing down of America.  

http://www.allproudamericans.com/No-Laughing-at-the-Tomb-of-the-Unknown-Soldier.html

And finally, to all you cool guys (and ladies) out there who dare to be different, who scoff at convention, when you dine, take your hat off, your plastic ware from your head, forehead or neck and place them respectfully on the table.  Just a friendly note from your old pal, Mister Manners.  Besides you don't want to fish your Ray-Bans from the mashed potatoes, do ya?