A tribute to and a lament for Marshall McLuhan. Five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, I present one of McLuhan’s observations and talk about its relevance today. 300 ideas. 300 days. 300 posts.
Social norms
How are you?
Marshall McLuhan (January 25, 1973, age 61). Â I hate that question.
You walk into a room, pass someone strolling down the street, or bump into an acquaintance at work, and dollars to donuts they’ll look you straight in the eye and say, “How are you?” or “How are you feeling?” or “How are you doing.” It makes me wince. It’s as if they’d stepped on my toes. Clearly, they don’t really care how I am, it’s just a load of social hooey. My usual reply is, “Are you sure you really want to know? Because if you do this may take some time.”
Me (May 2010, age 57).  I hate that question too.
Another question I dislike is “Are you busy?” Of course I am but that’s not the question is it?
What social greetings do you dislike?
Cordially, Marshall and Me
Reading for this post
Letters of Marshall McLuhan, 1987, pp. 463.
Tags: Communications, Conversation, Culture, Listening, Relationship, Social norms
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