Do good manners matter? Yes, they do; however, since most parents have gone to work, children have less opportunity to be with their parents and learn good manners from them. Although America is a melting pot of cultures with different ideas of good manners (Packer 22), and the topic of good manners is complicated (Pavilion 185), the standard of good manners of various cultures is similar. Good manners are the same as civilized behaviors and moral etiquette that include respect, consideration, generosity, and thoughtfulness for others (Stewart 14). What goes around comes around; therefore, people should treat others as they wish to be treated (Stewart 1). In fact, people would like to be with other people who have good manners (Brandenberg 2). Therefore, in the twenty-first century good manners should be taught because they not only help people become educated and competitive but also help the world become peaceful and quiet. First of all, people are more educated and competitive if they have good manners. Ladies and gentlemen who have good manners appear more educated, worthy of respect and superior than other rude people. Dr. Sokolosky believes that "given equal skills and abilities, the person who leaves a good, positive impression will come out on top" (Ricketts, par. 9), meaning that in a group of people who have equal abilities, he or she will win who will have good manners; therefore, good manners can improve one's competitiveness. Furthermore, my professor Eadus said that good manners are the most important part of social skills, which is true because good manners influence people's interpersonal relationships and social communications. Indeed, dining has been a main social event in people's lives; therefore, good table manners are essential and aid one's education while good table manners can cause punishment from mothers, embarrassment in front of friends, or being dumped from dates (Packer 268). I had one of the most embarrassing experiences of my life. When I was young, I played with food and held the knife and fork incorrectly until one day I dropped the entire piece of steak on the woman sitting at the next table. At that moment I was totally embarrassed and scared while the woman scolded me and said I was a rude guy. After that I went to borrow some books to learn good table manners. “The way you behave at the table gives very clear signals about what kind of person you are” (Cooper, par..