One uses such locutions when one is tentative, doubtful, unwilling to have to defend one's assertion, or afraid of giving offense. I myself use such locutions in such instances. When I do not use such a locution, it means that I am not tentative, doubtful, unwilling to defend my assertion, or afraid of giving offense. It goes without saying that I could be wrong. No one is infallible. I don't see the point of constantly reiterating the obvious.
In our society, it is rude to invade someone's personal space, unless one is particularly close to the person. In some other societies, it is not rude to do so. Sometimes, circumstances arise where no one is at fault, because no one realized the discrepant rules. Additionally, it is possible that the sensitivity to being "invaded" will change over time. However, here and now, in this society, and assuming one knows better, it is a mistake to invade someone's space, and if it is a deliberate, avoidable offense, it is wrong. Similarly, breastfeeding in a restaurant, unless very discreet, is wrong, in this society at this time.
I believe in the "broken windows" theory of policing. Matters of public decorum may not be as important as other things, but it helps to make other, more serious misbehavior seem more conceivable. That was why I raised the issue in the first place, not because I consider it pressing, but because it has become PC to take the side of La Leche League....... |
