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Thursday question: Concert etiquette
An interesting question. How does one balance the Apollonian requirements of etiquette with the Dionysian elements of a live music performance?
Not that that's how the letter-writer put it, of course:
Recently, I had the good fortune to attend a live concert at the Wang Theater featuring Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. I sat next to a man who proudly knew the words to most of her songs and sang them out loud in a terrible falsetto voice. His rendition took away from my enjoyment of the concert. I really wanted to say something but my husband (who was not the singer) said I couldn't because it would be bad manners. I gave a few coughs and sideways glances every so often but he didn't get the message. Of course, I did my share of clapping (in perfect rhythm) and got in the dancing groove that may have upset other concert goers. If someone complained, I would have stopped immediately. What should one do in that circumstance?
As usual, I'll post my response to your comments next week (the regular schedule is new questions here on Monday and Thursday; responses/summary on the following Tuesday/Wednesday and Friday. If you want more to read in the meantime, check out my other blog here.)
About Miss Conduct Robin Abrahams writes the weekly "Miss Conduct" column for The Boston Globe Magazine.
contributor
Robin Abrahams writes the weekly "Miss Conduct" column for The Boston Globe Magazine. Robin, who has a PhD in psychology from Boston University, has worked as a theater publicist, organizational-change communications manager, editor, stand-up comedian, and professor of psychology and English. She lives in Cambridge with her husband, Marc Abrahams, founder of the Ig Nobel Prizes, which are given annually for achievements that first make people laugh and then make them think.
Who is Miss Conduct?
Robin Abrahams writes the weekly "Miss Conduct" column for The Boston Globe Magazine. Robin, who has a PhD in psychology from Boston University, has worked as a theater publicist, organizational-change communications manager, editor, stand-up comedian, and professor of psychology and English. She lives in Cambridge with her husband, Marc Abrahams, founder of the Ig Nobel Prizes, which are given annually for achievements that first make people laugh and then make them think.
