When to Tip or Remove Ones' Hat

[Geoff Withnell]

I read this with some interest, as I have been on more than one occasion been accused of discourtesy because of my hat wearing custom. For religious reasons, I wear a hat essentially any time I'm out of bed and not in the shower. I'm an observant Jew, and it is our custom. I try to remember if I am going to be in a church, to have a kippah (skullcap) with me, so I can remove my hat and replace it with a kippah. However, in restaurants, etc, I do not. Please remember that in today's multicultural world, even a kilted man may have other cultural imperatives, and don't assume that failure to remove a hat, or follow some other custom is from ignorance or discourtesy.

Geoff Withnell

[WolfmanJack]

As a Professor in a small liberal arts college, I take very seriously my responsibility to help my students develop the skills to be successful. One of these skills is to not just know etiquette, but to be at ease with it. Confidence and poise requires practice, and thus I insist that they practice etiquette in my presence. My male students know they must always remove their hats upon entering my classrooms and laboratories.

Later in their life, they may choose to defy social custom in certain situations. But it is knowledge and practice that gives them that choice; they may flaunt the rules, or follow them with aplomb.

You can imagine the ‘shock and awe’ that occurs when I announce this on the first day of classes. There are gasps, jaws drop, glances are exchanged and eyes roll. Some contemplate rebellion, but they soon learn that they have no choice in the matter. And yes, well before the first examination they are all doffing their hats at my door, without a thought or care.

Last week my wife and I entered a local pizza parlor and were led to a booth. Across the room, in a booth on the opposite wall, was one of my students and several of his friends…all wearing ball caps. Our eyes met, and as if by reflex, he snatched his hat from his head. Whispers were exchanged…and soon all the hats were off!

You can imagine my satisfaction.

[Downunder Kilt]

I think removing ones hat during national anthems and all the other times mentioned, whether it's tipping the hat or removal, all boils down to one word, which has been said many times, RESPECT. Something I find is diminishing every day

[Macman]

You can imagine my satisfaction.

I can! Good for you! I can also imagine the respect that your students have for you.

[ThistleDown]

Last week my wife and I entered a local pizza parlor and were led to a booth. Across the room, in a booth on the opposite wall, was one of my students and several of his friends…all wearing ball caps. Our eyes met, and as if by reflex, he snatched his hat from his head. Whispers were exchanged…and soon all the hats were off!

You can imagine my satisfaction.

So fine, so fine. Inwardly you must still be smiling.

[YoungMan]

I can remember going off to college at 18 (I grew up in rural TN), and just being shocked at other students not doing what I considered to be most mandatory of personal curtesies. Removing ones hat while dining, in class, entering a professors office was one.

I do lament that I've let myself slip over the years when it comes to door holding. Several empowered girlfriends and the office culture have slowly worn me down. I always feel bad when I realize that I;ve dumped the door on some poor person with an arm full of groceries.

[Mike_Oettle]

YoungMan wrote: “Several empowered girlfriends and the office culture have slowly worn me down.”

Feminists have given courteous conduct a bad name.
Regards,
Mike

[Stratherrick]

I always find it peculiar to hear Americans call somebody, "Sir". It is sooo American to British ears!

Slainte

Bruce

[Jock Scot]

I always find it peculiar to hear Americans call somebody, "Sir". It is sooo American to British ears!

Slainte

Bruce

Er, not to all British ears.

[Stratherrick]

Jock

I, occasionally, say, "Sir" to some of my patients on my rounds as a District ( visiting) Nurse. Americans, though, have this in-built respect thing going on which, I agree, is sadly lacking in our modern, British culture.

Slainte

Bruce