The Downfall of Civility
Rude Rules
At 69, I realize I am SO past what is considered to be cultural norms but I never thought we would totally lose the ability to act in a civil manner in public. The more I interact with people today, the more I see a disdain for being polite. Reacting in a cold way, even ignoring everything and everyone around you has taken over.
People of all ages sit together and stare at their phones. If they are interacting, someone is recording so they can post on-line. Everything seems built to revolve around themselves and the ‘image’ they wish to project to people who are, ironically, more concerned about themselves. Thus the circle continues.
We have lost the ability to interact with those closest to us, and certainly with strangers. Polite discourse is looked at with blank stares and silence. Even a “nice weather” conversation, to pass time in a grocery line, is thought of as intrusion.
Moving a cart out blocking a grocery aisle is met with affront rather than apology.
Holding a door for someone following behind you? Forget it, too much work.
Please and thank you? Are you kidding! I’m paying you for that service just get on with it!
No, it is NOT relegated to the ‘youngsters’. I have seen it over generations, genders, ethnic origins and incomes. We have changed as people, and not for the better.
I’m not asking anyone to give me a complete breakdown of their day when asked “How are you?” Nor am I asking for a counseling session, groveling subservience, or in-depth conversation. Eye contact, a smile and a nod, a quiet “after you” in a doorway or aisle would suffice.
When we lose the simple act of politeness and acknowledgement of others, we lose our humanity. When we lose our humanity it is easier to consign other people to the ‘worthless’ pile. A pile delegated for the untouchables, deplorables, for those ‘unfit’ to exist. If you are incapable of kindness at least treat each other politely.
Humanity has been often been lost over the centuries and it always begins with the downfall of civility.