Quote - It's really rather simple and boils down to common sense. When in a public place, do what is socially acceptable in a public place. This is a public place.

Who determines what is socially acceptable in a public place?

I don't have a good answer to that question.

How can we know what's socially acceptable in a public place?
Personal ethics and responsibility, or untouchable blanket rules?

Personal ethics would work in a perfect society consisting of perfect human beings. Well, humans are not perfect and society is not perfect, as we all know.
The other extreme is not acceptable either. As usual, the best realistic solution is somewhere in the middle.

In my opinion and experience, society in general leans too much towards the untouchable blanket rule side of the spectrum these days. And unthinkingly following the rules leads to some very undesirable outcomes. Anyone remember the expression "Befehl ist befehl?"

The pen is mightier than the sword. But if you literally want to have some impact, use a typewriter

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