In "Some Reflections on American Manners", Alexis Charles Henri Clerìl de Tocqueville examines mannerism in a Democratic American social and political system. Tocqueville describes democratic manners as being an unplanned but sincere act. "They form, as it were, a thin, transparent veil through which the real feelings and personal thoughts of each man can be easily seen" (355). Tocqueville points out that all people manners seem very similar in a democracy because of equality. As a result of that equality, Americans treat one another with great respect of mutual tolerance and are not easily offended. However, Tocqueville warns that, although Americans share equality and their manners seem equal. "...It is only on close inspection that one sees all variations of them" (354).
             Tocqueville reflects on the where about of manners in America before the revolutionary war, the manners which derived from Aristocracy. The manners which created a "fine illusion about human nature" (355) and relied heavily on social grace. The Aristocracy manners, which is now replaced by Democracy manners in America and, criticized by the English. Those ruthless English critics explains Tocqueville, "...they do not notice that they are abusing themselves to the great delight of their own aristocracy" (354).
             Tocqueville masterfully describes the effects of democracy and aristocracy on mannerism. He analyzes the influence of democracy on the life of the American people, and Democratic America. He offers some brilliant views on mannerism in America before the revolution war. Tocqueville mesmerizes the reader with his insight of the American political and social system. I highly recommend this essay to anyone studying or doing research on democracy.
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