Etiquette and good manners are for everyone. Yes, I know that the ladies famous for writing books about etiquette are White. If you read their books and follow their rules, you will be acting White. No. You are acting right, not acting White. There is proper etiquette for when you go to different countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Those rules of etiquette were not written by White women. No one is born knowing proper etiquette and good manners. They had to be taught. Some people were taught at home, but most people had to read a book or attend a class.
You will meet people from all backgrounds who are rude, crude, vulgar, and trashy. They may not know anything about etiquette, and your good manners is wasted on them. But you behave like a Lady for yourself and not for their benefit. Other classy people will know the code. It is not just for Debutantes and Royalty. Black women from every socioeconomic situation can be the best at acting like a Lady. We can learn all the tips and tricks. Etiquette is not just about the right cutlery with a specific dinner course. Etiquette is about your walk, your talk, your attire. Those are the things that people judge before you even open your mouth.
