Readers Rally Against Proposal to Ban 'Thank You' in Britain
In response to Sangeeta Pillai's recent opinion piece advocating for a ban on the phrase 'thank you' in Britain, numerous readers have penned letters defending the practice as a cornerstone of civility and empathy. Pillai had criticised what she termed a 'pointless stream of politeness', but correspondents argue that expressing gratitude is far from meaningless.
Kindness in Febrile Times
Deirdre Breen from Dublin, Ireland, strongly disagrees with Pillai's stance. She acknowledges that sarcastic or passive-aggressive uses of 'thank you' are undesirable, but insists that genuine thanks to service workers is both appropriate and necessary. 'I love to thank baristas, shop assistants, bus drivers or other people because they more often than not provide a very good service,' Breen writes. She highlights that these individuals often work hard in difficult jobs for low pay, making a simple 'thank you' a small but significant act of appreciation. In an era marked by hardship and negativity, Breen questions why we would discard such gestures of kindness.
'I See You': The Power of Recognition
Lotte Lina Kaiser from Geneva, Switzerland, expresses sadness over Pillai's article, arguing that 'thank you' serves as a crucial form of recognition. 'In most cases it just means 'I see you',' Kaiser explains. This phrase acknowledges the humanity and effort behind services, such as recognising that a bus driver is a person who braves early mornings and cold conditions. Kaiser hopes society never abandons these daily affirmations, emphasising that they matter deeply in fostering connection and respect.
Balancing Gratitude and Excess
Roger Mortimore of Dorking, Surrey, offers a nuanced perspective. While he agrees with some of Pillai's points about excessive politeness, he maintains that showing appreciation is essential in a civilised society. Mortimore notes that being thanked, especially by name, is pleasant, but he cautions against overuse, citing an example from New York where a shop assistant's effusive thanks felt awkward. He contrasts this with his experience in France, where 'merci' is generously used but apologies are rare, suggesting Britons might apologise too much rather than thank too little.
Evolving Language and Cultural Comparisons
Other readers add further insights. Stephen Blakemore from Folkestone, Kent, observes that 'thank you' has evolved into 'thank you so much', indicating a trend toward heightened expressions. Meanwhile, Stephanie Bailey of Norton-sub-Hamdon, Somerset, humorously points out that people in Britain say 'sorry' far more often than 'thank you', hinting at broader cultural quirks in politeness.
These letters collectively underscore a defence of 'thank you' as more than mere words—it's a gesture that validates hard work, fosters kindness, and maintains social bonds, especially in the service sector.
