The Slogan at Mike's

One of our favorite local restaurants is Mike's American Grill. The food is excellent, the prices are reasonable, and the service is excellent. It's too loud, and the parking is yucky, but in the end everything balances out and we always enjoy going there. I particularly like their motto, which appears on the website and in large neon letters around the big clock overlooking the dining room:

Be Nice or Get Out

It's a shame that such a sign is needed, but nowadays people seem to go out of their way not to be nice. My father was among the most polite and gentle of men, and he lived a good life, succeeded in business, and was surrounded by a huge circle of friends that appreciated the pleasant demeanor that he tried (successfully, I hope) to pass on to us.

It seems that the default position for behavior today is screw-you-I'm-right-you're-wrong-you-can-go-to-hell. We almost expect shameful behavior from so-called celebrities like Kanye West, whose antics at the Grammy Awards proved yet again that he combines mediocre talent with despicable manners.

Why is it so hard to be nice? We know that the anonymity of the Internet encourages bad behavior, a fact you can prove to yourself simply by reading the comments posted to any online news article or participating in many online games ...

But I think that the real reason is that many parents no longer value or teach the kindness, politeness, and good manners that parents of my generation found so important. People don't value words like "please," "thank you," "you're welcome," and "after you." The Kanye Wests of the world demand respect without being willing to give it, and legitimize boorish behavior to their circles of fans.

Do your part. Observe the Golden Rule, and teach it to your children.

Be nice, or get out. This means you, Kanye and Kim. I hope it's not too late for baby North*.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* And who in their right mind would saddle a defenseless child with a name like that?