Sit Still, Be Quiet, and Listen; It's Just Good Manners, 1935

From the editorial page of the Southport State Port Pilot, April 24, 1935, James M. Harper Jr., editor

The Public Nuisance

Bad manners in its most annoying form is seen in the person who makes a nuisance of himself at a public gathering. Usually one who so conducts himself is an exhibitionist, seeking the spotlight of attention.

You know the type: The person who keeps up a whispered conversation with his neighbor while a speech is in progress; the fidgety person who can’t or won’t sit still during a meeting; and the person who must get up from his seat, stumble over the feet and legs of others two or three times during the course of an hour.

The worst of these is the whisperer. People who attend public meetings are usually present because they are interested in the program to be presented. Whispered comments never help any program and often make it impossible for others to hear. It is always confusing to a speaker to have whispering competition for the attention of his audience.

This is the time of year when commencement programs are being held in the schools. Some students are making their first public appearance; for all who take part in the programs, it is a chance for self-expression and they have earned their chance with a year of hard work. Attend their exercises, but remember that it is their show. Don’t try to steal the spotlight from them.