The grim conformism of pavement vigilantes | Social etiquette

One of many few remaining alternatives we now have to indicate good-natured tolerance and friendliness in direction of a stranger is once you each stroll in direction of one another and there’s that fleeting second of eye contact, grinning and each stepping apart in the identical path, adopted by a smiling and jocular “sorry”. Cameron Roh and different “pavement vigilantes” (Letters, 9 November) appear intent on making a dystopian Orwellian city atmosphere, with the inhabitants marching in single file in direction of a way forward for grim conformism.Bob CaldwellBadby, Northamptonshire Have I damaged a file in smug letter writing (Letters, 12 November)? My first letter to the Guardian was written with my good friend Maureen Statham about 1950 once we had been at college. It proposed the necessity for a bin to cease individuals throwing used bus tickets on the bus platform.Margaret MartlewSheffield Studying current correspondence about what’s thought-about “cool” these days brings to thoughts a comment Alexei Sayle as soon as made. He purchased a tin of sardines and observed that the label stated “Maintain in a cool place”. So he took it to Ronnie Scott’s.Maggie D’AraujoLytham St Annes, Lancashire Even spelling out a reputation doesn’t at all times work in espresso retailers (‘You get extra consideration than you’d select’: how an uncommon identify can form your life – for higher or worse, 13 November). My son, Marc, when requested for his identify, stated “Marc with a C.” The cup learn “Cark”.Tim DaviesBatheaston, Somerset Have an opinion on something you’ve learn within the Guardian right this moment? Please e-mail us your letter and will probably be thought-about for publication in our letters part.