#Judith Martin

[periodically80s]

[liquidlightandrunningtrees]

If you can't be kind, at least be vague.

Judith Martin (Miss Manners)

[richmondproper]

Some time back, when Miss Manners wasn’t paying careful attention, Not Caring What Other People Think became an American social virtue.

“I don’t care what the invitation says. I’m going to wear what I want. I dress to be comfortable, not because I care what other people think.”

“I eat the way I please; what do I care what other people think?”

“I’m the one who’s getting married, so it doesn’t matter if they don’t like rock music or think the food is weird. I don’t care what other people think.”

“I never go to funerals. It doesn’t do any good for the person who counts, and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.”

These are callous statements of the me-first and me-only variety. They broadcast defiance of the feelings of the speaker’s hosts, fellow diners, guests, family, and friends. One would suppose that the reaction to be anticipated after such a stand is, “Oh, good for you, but then stay away from me.” Those who elect to disregard the standards of others or of society itself should, at the very least, find that people refuse to invite them, eat with the them, or attend their weddings or funerals. Persistent cases should even be prepared for attempts to hasten the last.

How is it then, that such pronouncements are made with anticipation of being admired, rather than ostracized? Why are they meekly accepted more often than condemned?

That declarations of selfishness are unchallenged is, Miss Manners believes, a result of their being confused with the heroic defiance of a private conscience faced with evil or foolish social pressure. “I don’t care what anyone else thinks!” can be a moral cry if hurled at the warning that one will be considered a prude for refusing to shoplift, a bad parent for not letting a child stay out half the night, or a failure for not having a new car. Using higher standards than one’s peers or refusing to make private decisions by group consensus is indeed something that should be performed with pride.

What about when society is right? That does happen occasionally. Any civilized settlement of human beings develops nonprovocative ways of performing common tasks. Patterns are set for such simple matters as eating and dressing, so that people do not run the risk of upsetting or disgusting others over trivial matters. Complying serves as a demonstration that one respects the community.

Where important emotions are concerned, such as in the major milestones of life, traditions and conventions give order to erratic feelings. By following the time-honored routines of weddings or funerals, one smooths over the chaotic mix of emotion to make a dignified event. Individual nerves become encased in communal ritual.

The beauty of convention is that it is readable. If your looks and actions are within the accepted bounds of the society, you are conveying a basic agreement with the prevailing order. That is why rebels seldom confine their symbolism to questions of ideals, but seek to outrage through dress and behavior as well.

A great many people now behave as if they believe that such acts do not contain symbolism. Challenged that others will be offended if they go barefoot to church or spit back in their plates what they don’t like, they claim that it is the reaction, not the action, that is inappropriate.

That is when the I Don’t Care What People Think defense appears. Disguised as idealistic defiance of obtrusive and petty standards, it attacks the doctrine of Consideration for Others, which is the basic premise of civilization. If the society truly subscribed to the notion that pursuing individual natural impulses is a higher form of behavior than tempering them to show consideration for others, those other would not be offended by such behavior. A standard that offends a majority cannot work.

Not Caring What Other People Think is, at best, ignorance of the necessity for people to be able to read one another’s behavior for signs of friendliness or hostility. At worst, it is a declaration of Not Caring How I Make Other People Feel.

— Miss Manners’ Guide for the Turn-of-the-Millennium, pgs. 14-15

[enricopolicardo]

This Was Tomorrow or C₃S, C₂S, C₃A, C₄AF A book on cement & social housing in London. Words by architectural conservationist and historian, Judith Martin

Inspired by the seminal 1956 exhibition 'This is Tomorrow' at the Whitechapel Gallery, this publication aims to explore the evolution of urban housing and architecture. The exhibition, curated by notable figures such as Alison and Peter Smithson, photographer Nigel Henderson, and sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi, with a layout by Erno Goldfinger and a catalogue cover designed by Edward Wright, encapsulated a forward-thinking vision of modernism and urban living. The design for Keeling House, an early example of this vision, was already taking shape in 1956.

This work seeks to offer a fresh lens on the ongoing dialogue between historical architectural innovation and contemporary challenges, underscoring the enduring relevance of visionary design in addressing today's urban needs. In homage to the legacy of Le Corbusier, born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1887, this publication employs Helvetica for its typeface. The front cover uses an ultra-compressed version of the font, echoing Edward Wright's minimalist design for the Whitechapel Gallery's 1956 'This is Tomorrow' catalogue. The book is printed by Sarsen Press, an independent printing company, operating from 22 Hyde Street, Winchester. It has been providing a traditional, supportive and bespoke service since 1979.

About the Contributors

Photography -  Enrico Policardo Born in Gorizia, northeastern Italy, Enrico Policardo's journey in photography began with studies in Udine and at the University of the Arts London (UAL). Now based in London.

Architectural Historian and Conservationist - Judith Martin Judith Martin, who studied at University College London (UCL) and Oxford Brookes, brings her expertise in 19th-century industrial architecture to this project. Her interest in modernist housing is sparked by pressing issues of housing need and the climate crisis.

Details 28 pages, 20x20 cm Printed by Sarsen Press, Winchester in 2024 ISBN: 978-1-916722-14-9 The copies from my website are now sold out but you can get a copy from the RIBA Bookshop website here.

[linusjf]

Judith Martin: Civilized

“We are all born charming, fresh and spontaneous and must be civilized before we are fit to participate in society.” —Judith Martin, “Miss Manners’ Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behaviour”.

[skelecha1rs]

[fated-mates]

An episode for the old school romance readers in the audience, we're talking about kidnapping this week! A trope that either absolutely works for readers (aka us) or absolutely doesn't, we talk about why that is, how the original romances of the 80s and 90s installed these buttons and how we still see the bones of old school kidnapping in delicious romances of today. That, and Jen reminds Sarah of books she wrote one time.

[broadwaydivastournament]

And the Tony Award Goes to...

Six-Time Tony Winner Audra McDonald, reigning Queen of Broadway

In honor of the Tony nomination announcement today, it's about time I published this post I've had waiting for almost two months now. With 64 Divas in our tournament, they're practically drowning in Tonys. Collectively, 53 Divas have received one or more nominations across four eligible acting categories, and 31 have taken home the prize. And you'll never believe what tumblr's image limit is. 30.

As luck would have it, two Divas won Tonys in the same year and despite what might be the most dramatic height difference possible, Bebe Neuwirth and Janet McTeer were photographed together specifically so I could make this post work 27 years later. (Bebe in heels and Janet in flats, and still...)

Pictured (L to R): Andrea Martin (2013), Anika Noni Rose (2004), Bebe Neuwirth and Janet McTeer (1997)

Pictured (L to R): Bernadette Peters (2012), Beth Leavel (2006), Betty Buckley (1983)

Nominations: (excluding wins)

Nominations Overall: 125 Best Leading Actress in a Musical: 56 Best Featured Actress in a Musical: 36 Best Leading Actress in a Play: 13 Best Featured Actress in a Musical: 19 Producer: 1

Pictured (L to R): Cherry Jones (2004), Christine Baranski (1989), Debra Monk (1993)

Pictured (L to R): Donna Murphy (1996), Harriet Sansom Harris (2002), Heather Headley (2000)

Nominations: (including wins)

Nominations Overall: 175 Best Leading Actress in a Musical: 75 Best Featured Actress in a Musical: 50 Best Leading Actress in a Play: 18 Best Featured Actress in a Musical: 29 Producer: 3

Pictured (L to R): Jayne Houdyshell (2016), Joanna Gleason (1988), Judith Light (2012)

Pictured (L to R): Julie White (2007), Karen Ziemba (2000), Katie Finneran (2002)

Wins: (2024 pending)

Wins Overall: 50 Best Leading Actress in a Musical: 19 Best Featured Actress in a Musical: 14 Best Leading Actress in a Play: 5 Best Featured Actress in a Musical: 10 Producer: 2

Pictured (L to R): Katrina Lenk (2018), Kelli O'Hara (2015), LaChanze (2023)

Pictured (L to R): Laurie Metcalf (2018), Lea Salonga (1991), Lillias White (1997)

Special Tony Awards (non-competitive):

Special Tony Award (posthumous): Marin Mazzie (my beloved) Isabelle Stevenson Award: Bernadette Peters, Judith Light

Pictured (L to R): Patti LuPone (2008), Stephanie J. Block (2019), Tonya Pinkins (1992)

Pictured (L to R): Tyne Daly (1990), Victoria Clark (2023)

Most Frequent Nominee: (including wins)

Leading Actress in a Musical: Kelli O'Hara (7) Featured Actress in a Musical: Andrea Martin (5) Leading Actress in a Play: Cherry Jones/Laura Linney (5) Featured Actress in a Play: Jayne Houdyshell/Judith Light/Julie White (3)

No Diva has won more than twice in any performance category. This will not change with the current nominees this year.

Oldest Winners:

Leading Actress in a Musical: Victoria Clark (63) Featured Actress in a Musical: Patti LuPone (72) Leading Actress in a Play: Laurie Metcalf (62) Featured Actress in a Play: Judith Light (64)

Oldest Nominee: Mary Beth Peil (76)

[citizenscreen]

Judith Anderson, Martin Landau, and Diane Baker in the pilot episode of “The Haunted” (The Ghost of Sierra de Cobre aka The Black Telephone) in 1965.

[djkerr]

Lucca's very long day.

📷 tmdb.org

TGF 02x13 Day 492

[thursdaymurderbub]

Silver Screen magazine

Mary Martin's first movie!

[rwpohl]

the long hot summer, stuart cooper 1985

[basicallyanotherwitchesthing]

Martin Ebon - The Devil's Bride - Exorcism: Past and Present - Harper & Row - 1974 (jacket illustration by Judith Seifer)

[2ndgengeek]

I read through Miss Manners’ Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior . I was about 11-12 and was thrilled to learn that there were -written- rules for social interactions. Plus she’s funny.

congratulations to people who are good at performing conversations and social interactions. did you take a class or is it just like genetics or whatever

[galleryofflowers]

Sheila Hicks, Bumps and Whispers, ca. 1987

Agnes Martin, With My Back to the World, 1997

Judith Scott, Untitled, ca. 2003

[ilovetheater-nl]

Griekse MAMMA MIA! persborrel

In het Griekse restaurant Dimitri’s Amsterdam kreeg de aanwezige pers een update over de nieuwe versie van de musical Mamma Mia van De Graaf en Cornelissen entertainment. Zo is de tekst geheel aangepast naar een wat moderne versie. Ook al heb je de musical al gezien, toch moet je deze versie gaan zien, volgens Hana Cornelissen. Momenteel wordt er nog hard gewerkt aan deze gloednieuwe versie, met…