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Miss Manners, ideal speaker for graduation
By Kate Dobie’06
STAFF WRITER

Judith Martin (a.k.a. Miss Manners) will join the Sweet Briar community in May to present the commencement address to the graduating Class of 2006. This summer the rising senior class was asked to submit names of possible graduation speakers to President Muhlenfeld who was to make the final decision. Judith Martin was an ideal choice because of her lengthy journalistic career, vivacious personality, and extensive knowledge of personal and professional etiquette.

Writing under the pen name of Miss Manners, Martin established herself as one of America’s leading experts on contemporary manners. Her column, which she began writing for the Washington Post in 1960, is now syndicated in over 200 newspapers across the globe. In addition to her weekly column, Martin has written several books and has appeared on various televisions programs. Six of her books, including Common Courtesy: In Which Miss Manners Solves the Problem that Baffled Mr. Jefferson and Miss Manners Rescues Civilization: From Sexual Harassment, Frivolous Lawsuits, Dissing, and Other Lapses in Civility, can be found among the collection of Cochran Library.

Martin approaches manners in uniquely witty and diplomatic style. Many people view manners as a dated cultural system that is meant to dictate proper utensil usage and symbolize status. However, the types of etiquette that she concerns herself with are more so the issues raised by the modern world. Inquiries about same-sex marriages, cell phone use, and dress codes are the kind that many people make and few know how to properly react.

Martin, herself a graduate of a women’s college (Wellesley College) and a successful writer, should be able to provide the graduating class with sage advice on what to expect when they leave the “pink bubble”. In a world where impropriety runs rampant, it is important for a woman to arm herself with good manners, not just to impress others at formal dinner parties, but also to encourage respectful interactions in all facets of life.