1960 Articles

A Matter of Mutter

Pollack, Robert

"A Matter of Mutter" by Robert E. Pollack humorously explores the social etiquette of acknowledging acquaintances in passing, particularly in the context of university life. The article details the awkwardness of determining the right moment to make eye contact, nod, or mutter a greeting when encountering someone you know only by sight. Pollack presents various hypothetical scenarios, illustrating the intricacies and subtle pressures involved in these brief social interactions. The piece blends lighthearted satire with a keen observation of human behavior, capturing the nuanced and often unspoken rules that govern casual encounters.