Sir, It is now an everyday occurrence to witness behaviour that would not have been tolerated 30 years ago (“The ladette, the lady and the mother-in-law of all e-mails”, June 30). In the street and on public transport, one sees people talking loudly into mobile phones, playing music loudly as if no one else was present, acting lewdly or shouting obscenities. Many young people in particular no longer seem to have any concept of what is acceptable behaviour and what is not.
That your story suggests that Carolyn Bourne is the one who may be embarrassed speaks volumes about how standards have fallen. A civilised society is built on standards of behaviour. Sometimes we no longer seem able to distinguish between informality and bad behaviour.
I suggest David Cameron appoints Ms Bourne as “Behaviour Tsar”.
Michael Patterson
Boston, Lincs
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Sir, Many years ago I used to stay with Barbara Cartland. She told me that if she found herself being driven badly or dangerously she would say to the driver: “Darling, you are such a good driver. I always feel safe with you.” She maintained that they immediately started to drive better. I have tried it on occasions and it generally works.
Louise Mollo
Wantage, Oxon