The Misanthrope’s Corner

Wilted Collars

‘TO AMERICANS,” wrote Randall Jarrell, “English manners are more frightening than none at all.” It’s true. We hate good manners; they make us feel shut out and held at arm’s length. We would much rather be at each other’s throats, which at least has the advantage of resembling a hug. Given a choice between the starched collar of respect and the rump-sprung britches of love, the American fashion has never been in doubt.