How to be a Good Global Citizen
Paris is a city of unimaginable beauty, from ancient architecture to art-filled museums. What detracts from this beauty is what it attracts—the tourists. There are many more tourists in Paris than those who live there. Actually, this is true of all of France. Because of this fact, it is very important for all of us who visit to be the very best global citizens possible. If we make the effort, everyone will have a much more pleasant time. How to do this? Follow along and I will lead you—politely.
Use Indoor Voices
The
Louvre is a huge place, which could take days to explore in-depth. So, as you can imagine, it can become very noisy if everyone
were to speak loudly. This is an enormous problem with today’s many
tour groups. The noise level is made even worse with the many
tourists who don’t know how to use indoor voices. In fact, on
my recent visit one exceptionally quiet tour guide shushed a woman yelling for
her husband to hurry up. All those around her quietly applauded.
You Are There to See the Art, Not to be the Art
Imagine
walking what seems to be miles – remember the Louvre is huge – to visit your
favorite piece of art only to find people lined up in front of it so their
companions can take pictures of them next to the art. This is
today’s Louvre. In fact, I found this egocentric behavior all over
France. What should a polite person do?
If
you really want to see your love’s face next to a grand piece of art, take your
picture very quickly. Also, choose only one or two
pieces. Allow others to see and take pictures of these grand pieces
without someone else’s face in the mix.
Watch the Little Ones
Speaking
of allowing others to see and enjoy the art, little children can also affect
others’ visit. During my visit, I had little ones running around,
touching pieces, and yelling through the halls. As a teacher and etiquette
specialist, I found this very disturbing. In my opinion, the best
parenting is accomplished by using every single teachable moment. Of
course, a visit to a museum is one of the greatest teachable
moments. Parents should teach their children to respect others
by using indoor voices, always staying with them, not to run, and not to touch
items that are not theirs. These are simple, basic manners
rules. Come on parents…teach!
Actually,
there was this one French family I observed that demonstrated excellent Louvre
etiquette. In fact, the children behaved better than many of
the adults around them. A mother was teaching her young children –
roughly ages 5 and 7 – about art. All wore audio guides and walked
slowly through the museum together. They discussed the art using
hushed voices. I enjoyed this example of exemplary manners
immensely. I just hope others noticed it as well.
Be Good World Citizens
Demonstrate
how well-mannered those from your country are by displaying the best of
yourself. Begin by noticing your surroundings. If you
find that you are walking slower than others around you, move to the side to
allow others to pass.
Additionally,
teach by example. For example, be helpful. If you notice
an elderly person or someone in a wheelchair who cannot see a picture due to
crowds blocking their view, politely ask those in the crowd to step
aside.
Respect!
Respect
this grand museum by dressing and behaving appropriately. Don’t wear
overly revealing attire or anything too loud. Use indoor voices and
turn off the cell phone. After all, not many appreciate hearing
multiple melodies playing around them when trying to enjoy century’s old pieces
of art.
Respect
other picture takers by stepping aside to allow others to get their prized shot
after taking yours. Also, stay out of others’ picture.
Respect
docents and staff by saying hello while smiling and thank them when requesting
assistance.
Enjoy
the Louvre!
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