If the quality of their heels is poor how do you expect students to walk properly?

If their teeth are yellow because of poor water and hygiene, and they have no money for braces, how do you expect them to smile properly?

If personal hygiene is poor how can you expect them to mingle with people?

I almost spat out my morning coffee when I read these comments in an article.

To me it is just another "scam school". How dare they prey on the vulnerability of young women.

As I often say in my books and business etiquette seminars, it's not about how much you learn, it's about the true inner beauty within you. When you live in a country where GDP is soaring, but there is no core value or moral education, and learning is by rote drilling, how can one learn what it takes to have the charm and social graces of a true lady or gentleman?

We are global citizens now, we cannot just thrive on hard power - soft power is just as crucial. For my English and business etiquette classes, I pick the students; the students don't pick me. Let's be frank, even if they want to be, some young people will never be a "lady" or a "gentleman".

In the United States young people have character education and community duties to help them develop. Kids are encouraged to think independently and know that how they deport themselves represents them as a whole.

So what should young people do if they want to become a lady or a gentleman? They should enroll for training with a reputable school or individual. Actually there are few so-called etiquette schools or centers in the capital. Students should find out who has emerged from these courses and decide whether they are truly ladies and gentlemen.

Students are not dumb, they learn fast from their role models. But when their role models are not even fit to teach then what hope is there?

Dr Hedy W. Lee (Lee Wen) is a Chinese American writer, social critic, consumer rights advocate, TV commentator and bilingual professor.