×
Padrão de Resposta
No people stands farther¹ away from this ritualistic notion of life than Brazilians. Our ordinary form of social relations is fundamentally the opposite of politeness. Its appearance can be misleading, an this is explained by the fact that polite attitude consists precisely on² a sort of deliberate mimic³ of manifestations that are spontaneous to the “cordial man;” it is the natural and living form converted into a formula. Moreover, politeness is in a certain manner an organisation of the defence before society. It lies in the individual’s external, superficial part, serving possibly even as a means of resistance when necessary. It is as a disguise that will enable each one of us to keep untouched our sensitivity and emotions.
By means of such a standardisation of external forms of cordiality, which do not have to be legitimate to be expressed, a decisive triumph of spirit is revealed. Armed with this mask, the individual maintains his or her supremacy before* society. Indeed, politeness implies a continuous and sovereign presence of the individual.
