While many agree what culinary delights taste good or bad, poor taste seems up for grabs. Is poor taste all in the eye of the beholder?
Is keeping up with the Joneses or striving to surpass them part of human nature? Growing up, my parents taught me excessive show of wealth is in poor taste. Not that I don’t enjoy Ferraris and Alfa Romeos, automobiles I once sold, but what is the point of driving the showiest vehicle on the road? To elevate yourself, while making others feel inadequate? Or simply for the joy of steering a sleek, fast machine?
Are cute plastic flamingos in poor taste? They would never need watering!
Another practice that irked my parents was name-dropping, and people who donate large sums of money to erect stadiums and buildings that are named after them. Not many Anonymous Donors anymore. One-upmanship abounds.
Years ago, my husband bought me a fake fur coat that looks so real heads turn. My husband loves me in it, but even on the coldest winter Sundays I can’t bring myself to wear the flashy garment to church. I even feel awkward wearing it to the opera. Am I silly to care so much what other people think of me?
The Amish come to mind. They are admonished not to outdo each other. Although many are more financially successful than others, they show each other courtesy and are cautioned to not be prideful. Since they dress plain, no chance for designer labels or gobs of gaudy jewelry. Yet, they are the first to admit they struggle with many of the same issues as we do. I wonder what they are. Any thoughts?
Is bringing your rambunctious dog into a drugstore over the top?
Am I judgmental when I see something I think is in poor taste and cringe or shake my head? Such as grown women wearing skimpy tops with plunging necklines and exposed tummies to the grocery store.
What is a practice you consider in poor taste? When does poor taste merge into rudeness or disrespect?
Tasteful 19” Copper-roofed Amish-made Birdhouse from Lancaster County, PA.
Please leave a comment and enter to win a lovely 19” Copper-roofed Amish-made Birdhouse from Lancaster County, PA, plus a signed copy of one book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! USA only. Winner has three days to respond.
I agree that women wearing tops that expose their cleavage and their midriff is in poor taste. I also have a pet peeve about older women who must wear every trendy style. All of us want to be stylish but some clothes are meant for the young. An older woman can wear age appropriate clothing and still be considered very attractive!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Connie! Older women can indeed remain attractive when not trying to compete with their daughters’ generation. Good luck!
Kate
I don’t agree with the short shorts, my much covering the top on women’s body. I don’t like when children are rude to elders! I don’t like swearing! I don’t like bullies! Why can’t we all love one another instead of hurting others in making people feel bad! Putting others down so we feel good about ourselves! We all need God back into our world!
Yes, I agree, Diane, and we need parents teaching their children kindness, modesty, and humility. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think bragging and flaunting to be in poor taste. Also women who are older and dress like a teen. I like you tend to shake my head when seeing something I think is poor taste. I have at times wanted to tell people what I think but ferl that would be in poor taste too. I try to ignore and move on. I love the bird house and consider it good taste. Ha ha. Would love to win that and a book. Enjoy the amish books.
You and I seem to be in agreement, Judy! Unfortunately, children and grandchildren might emulate other people’s bragging and poor taste. it’s not easy to raise children these days. I would love you to win the birdhouse and a signed novel. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I do not care for women to show their cleavage or stomach area by dressing immodestly, whether young or older. The Bible talks about us dressing modest. I do not like others consisting talking about their new vehicle because it sounds like bragging. Yes, I’m happy when others are blessed but they do not need to brag about it as if trying to make others feel bad. I also do not care when teachers play favoritism to students who are dressed in the latest styles versus those who are happy with second hand clothes as that’s all they can afford. Yes, I tend to shake my head when I see inappropriateness shown.
I believe the Amish struggle, as they are humans just like the rest of us. But they know pride and boasting is a sin which so many others have forgotten. God bless, Kate. Great post to ponder.
The cute birdhouse would be perfect in my yard. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Thanks for sharing your words of wisdom, Marilyn! I also am happy when others are blessed, but enough is enough. When our sons went to a parochial elementary school, their uniforms a great equalizer. No competition there. Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway! I’d love to see the birdhouse in your yard.
Kate
I think we need to remember it’s not for us to pass judgment only God can do that. Although I believe we all should carry ourself with the self respect of the others in mind such as the bible says, treat others as we want to be treated. Respect our elders. Dress with self respect in mind, I believe when you cover your body it leaves more to be desired than when you leave it exposed. The Amish live the values and live style we can learn from.
Right you are, Cherese! I strive to not be judgmental, but I’m sure I slip up. I can recall admonishing our children when they were young not to brag. Almost everyone in this country would be considered wealthy by third world nations, and no need to belittle others. Yes, we have much to learn from the Amish values. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think it is poor taste to consistently and constantly say how much something was. Kids these days live to tell anyone who will listen how much their entire name brand outfit cost. This is a huge pet peeve of mine. My mama raised me not to talk about money with others. You never knew what something was going through. They might be trying to figure out where their next meal was coming from and you are bragging about your shoes that cost enough to feed them for a week. Talk less, listen more.
Your mama gave you wonderful advice. We were never to speak about money to anyone outside the family, unless we’d bought something on sale and got the deal of the century. Even then, no need to mention it. Excellent advice: Talk less, listen more. Thanks for your terrific comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
One thing I consider very rude is guys wearing their pants so low that their undershorts (and ESPECIALLY more!) shows. It’s rude to force someone to see what should be private–and I don’t care to see it! Aw, but the rude will always be with us, I’m afraid. I’m not talking about someone bending over and accidently showing something, I’m referring to those walking down the street proudly revealing.
Is that the new norm, Loretta? I don’t appreciate seeing “privates” for a good reason: they should be kept private. I just turn my head and try to ignore. But still the image has reached my brain … Thanks for weighing in and leaving your comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
People should dress out of respect for themselves and for others. I dislike ” look at me clothes”.
A great way to put it, Sparkle! And I like your term “look at me clothes.” Thanks for your terrific comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I struggle with what I consider poor taste in clothing at church. I am of an age where growing up we had Sunday dresses, Sunday shoes. They were worn to church and other dressy events. Part of me says…well at least they *are* in church – don’t judge! But the other part is yelling surely they have something to wear that shows more respect for being in God’s house. Leggings and a crop top turns lots of attention away from God.
I think the struggle the Amish have might be…..she looks nicer in her dress than I ever will. Or a man being envious of another’s life – wife, family, good business. Even though the Amish are not competing in dress or material goods, everyone suffers from some level of inadequacy. It is always easier to look at another’s flaws than our own.
You have terrific insight, Kate! Feeling inadequate is at the root of our competitive nature. At least the Amish know what to wear to church. Thanks for your terrific comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
In response to is bringing your unruly dog into a drug store over the top? Yes, yes it is. Why? Because it hurts those who legitimately need service dogs to go about their daily life. When that dog barks or pees on stuff in the store, I get a look and questions next time I’m in the store and others have had issues to where they were almost kicked out of a place of business because “the last dog in here disrupted my business and peed everywhere, how do I know yours won’t do the same thing?” If your dog does not have the 1,000’s of hours of training that are put into a service dog and you have a disability that can be mitigated by tasks the dog does for you, DO NOT BRING THEM INTO NON-DOG FRIENDLY LOCATIONS! I can’t stop you from going into petsmart or the feed store, but I absolutely can and will work to have you and your unruly dog removed from a business so that my service dog can function in a safe environment free of worry that he’ll either be attacked by a nervous pet or be asked to leave because of someone else’s behavior. Also, please don’t ask me how to get one of those “fancy vests for my dog so I can take him everywhere.” You want to take your dog everywhere I do, go get yourself a disability and everything that comes with it and we’ll talk. I would love it if my dog could just be a pet, but I need him to work and he loves his job. He was selected for this job based on many criteria that most dogs can’t meet (not to say they aren’t great dogs, I’m sure they are but they weren’t chosen to handle the rigors of public access). Give a service dog handler a break and leave your dog at home. Thanks!
That should say “don’t have a disability that can be mitigated by tasks the dog does for you”.
Thanks very much for your informative comment, Team! My girlfriend who train service dogs would agree. She also told me those long retractable leashes are her “worst nightmare.” I don’t care for them either as I’m afraid I will trip over one. I love dogs and they for the most part long to please us if they know what to do. It seems these days fewer people are taking their dogs to obedience school … where the owners are taught more than the dogs. Wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Being interested in the world around us & noticing things that please or displease us is normal. If we aren’t confrontational with things others, & what they are doing isn’t harmful to themselves & others we should allow ourselves to mentally shake our heads or tsk.
Thanks for writing, Susan! I agree, what pleases one person may displease another, like the orange shag carpet at our beach cabin. (orange counters too) I hear orange shag is back in fashion, so after 29 years I guess we’ll keep ours. It’s tough as nails. When I see someone dressing or acting distastefully I’m often grateful my sons have already grown. I shudder what young children see on TV and the Internet … Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think it is rude when a man does not remove his hat in a place to eat. I also think it is rude to not put your napkin in your lap.
I agree, Angela! I can’t eat a meal without a napkin in my lap. These days, baseball caps seem to be permanent attire for many men … Sigh. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway! Good luck,
Kate
I think it rude when you’re satting in church and listening to the semon and somebody phone goes off.
I rarely have my phone turned on and would be horrified if it went off at church, or at a wedding or funeral, Barbara! But this is a common occurrence even if the pastor asks the congregation to turn phones off or at least to Silence if they are a physician. Certainly not the worst offense in the world, but annoying and distracting. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
My most humble opinion is! I don’t feel it is bragging or showing off if you wear a coat that your husband bought and gave you with love. It maybe flashy or over the top….but think of the love in which it was given. I don’t care to see women scantly dressed or wearing skin tight clingy clothes to church. There is a place to cover up ones body and the Church is that place. I will turn my head when I see cleavage spilling out or shorts cut way too high that the nether regions are on display….this type of dressing is not appropriate at the store or church! I also dislike those pants on the ground worn by men. Don’t they realize how dumb that looks….I try not to judge them…it sometimes makes me wonder if they have any sense at all….they can barely walk while their pants are trying to stay up on their thighs! Cruelty to any person or animal is another thing I dislike.
Thanks to your comment, I may wear that faux-fur coat as it makes my husband so happy, Linda! You really pushed a button when you mentioned cruelty to people and animals. I have actually called Child Protective Services at a risk to my personal safety, but worth it to protect a child from abuse. Same would go for animals. Thanks for writing your terrific comment, Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
You have stirred up a hornet’s nest with this one! I guess we all have pet peeves for sure. I can say however, the birdhouse and book you are giving away is in very good taste! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I’m delighted you like the birdhouse, Linda! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Best of luck!
Kate
A’s I’ve gotten older I’ve come to actually realize “judging” is judging. When I find myself with any thought of what another is doing etc. I try to turn the thought around to “Whatsoever is good and kind.” I only see the outside and have no idea of the circumstance beyond. It can be a struggle but it’s the direction I strive for.
I agree, Christine! When people ask me why God judges and punishes certain people, I tell them we may have to wait until we get to heaven to ask Him. It is not our job to judge others. Our understanding is like a grain of sand on the beach compared to His! Thanks for your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Being from California (now lives in Ohio) there where all kinds of things I would see that left a bad taste in my mouth. I tried not to be judgmental, but it is really hard when you see things that you know is not right. No matter what, there will be people doing things or wearing thing in poor choice. I have just learn to look away and ignore….or, just laugh at them. What else can you do?
It sounds as if you have a good strategy, Linda! When our sons used to play sports we would hear kids use the Lord’s name in vain, even with their parents and coach standing close by. Very difficult to ignore and still remembered after many years. Thanks for taking the time to write and leave me your great comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I agree with you 100%. That’s how my mother taught us. I always try to live with a humble spirit.
This is an interesting topic. I guess no matter what we feel, there are those that will go ahead and do all those things and I doubt it will ever change, unfortunately. So I just try to surround myself with friends of the same standards and enjoy them and try not to worry about those who are different. I love the birdhouse! It’s adorable.
A wise woman surrounds herself with friends of the same standards, Sonja! I’m glad you like the birdhouse and hope you win it. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Some times when I see how some people are dressed I wonder how they can go out in public. Also, I think too many people spend way too much on their cell phones. When you are out with a friend, I think it’s rude to spend time on the phone unless it’s really necessary. I try not to answer my phone unless it’s a call I’ve been waiting for, otherwise it can go to voice mail. Great giveaway. I’m sure the birdhouse is beautiful and I really enjoy reading Amish fiction.
Thanks for your interesting comment, Dianne! I’m sure your family and friends appreciate your turning your cell phone to voicemail, demonstrating that they are more important than your phone. Messages can wait. I’m glad you like the birdhouse and hope you get a chance to read my novels, possibly as the winner!
Kate
oh Kate…so many thoughts….I really don’t know where to start…$200 shoes for kids…who end up getting beat up for them…flashy bikes that get left lying around just like an old one would…and stolen…30 room houses when you have a 3 or 4 person family…ridiculous…designer handbags that cost hundreds of dollars…and get used once or twice because they get scuffed up…top of the line stereos…when my poor little walkman sounds just as good…or better…my biggest pet peeve…Probably not…books that cost $20 or more…and read just the same as thrift store finds…or free ebooks…I could go on and on and on…but my mama told me if you can’t say something nice…keep your mouth shut…it used to bother me that I couldn’t keep up with the Joneses…but the older I get…the more I realize…the better the bargain…the happier I am!
You sound like you have your priorities in order, Mary! I love bargains too. I must admit to pride when I find something on sale and then half price. Thanks for your fun comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
First of all I want to say the bird house is really a nice one.
I dislike seeing way too much flesh showing in the skimpy clothes that seem to be so popular in the Summer with people of almost all ages. They don’t look good and then they wonder why they (woman) get no respect shown to them. And certainly not showing the younger generations an appropriate ways of dressing either.
You’re right, Juanita! The younger generations are being steered in the wrong direction when it comes to questionable clothing. I’m glad you like the birdhouse and would be delighted if you win it. Good luck!
Kate
It makes me sick to see people (women) wearing clothes that just don’t fit. They show their rear when they sit down and are constantly pulling up their pants/shorts. Some women have no respect for themselves. These practices rub off on their children, so they have no respect for their elders. Thanks for the chance to win. Have a blessed day.
Some women do seem to have a problem getting the right fit, Debbie. Not a good look or influence on their children. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Poor Taste !!!!!! MMMMM I can go so many places with this but as a Christian it has taken me some time to get where I stopped judging others and instead have been more trying to teach them better ways.I don’t like most clothes today that either too big or to small. Drives me crazy . But if I was to judge anything it would be WOMEN using public bathrooms.They leave them dirty,pee on the seats and don’t think about the next person to use it or the ones who have to clean it up ,let alone the little girls who are sent to the bathrooms alone and use the peed on toilet after them.I say it is very poor taste to do this .How about if I came to your home and peed all over the place and left it for you to clean up ……….enough said
Your complaint has made me wonder for years, Jackie! I’m not sure how women manage it nor would I care to try. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am not one judge another. But what really has me worked up is everyone I pass in the store, on the street or driving is on a cell phone! They can’t seem to get away from it. If they aren’t talking on it with it to hear, they are yelling at it while shopping with it in the hand. Then you get the people walking, staring down at the phone, rudely bumping into you and barging through with no care or concerns for one another. I could go on and on.
I can relate, Chrissy, and don’t have much admiration for people using their cell phones constantly. At least when they text you don’t have to hear about their private lives while they’re standing right next to you in line at the grocery store. I doubt people on cell phones realize how loudly they speak. Thanks for your terrific comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Showing poor taste would for examples would be being disrespectful to someone, wearing bagging clothes and showing cleavage,etc. Another is that of funerals(important people not showing up and or laughing instead of crying) and the American Anthem being played at events and not having your hand over your heart.
Thanks for writing, Andrea! All excellent examples.
Kate