For as long as some people have thought of themselves as southerners, they have believed that their manners were better than (or at leasFor as long as some people have thought of themselves as southerners, they have believed that their manners were better than (or at least different from) those of other Americans—who have, by and large, been willing to grant them that. Lately, however, some have seen and lamented a deterioration of distinctively southern manners.t different from) those of other Americans—who have, by and large, been willing to grant them that. Lately, however, some have seen and lamented a deterioration of distinctively southern manners.