Manners and courtesy are an aspect of modern societies that are experiencing serious deterioration and we are doing

nothing to remedy this problem; traditional values in social relations are being erased by new and so-called modern
behaviors that are in reality inconsiderate and often coarse. Bad manners have thus been converted into a growing
problem that affects all levels of society: family, work, friendships, business, and politics, not to mention their negative
effect

on

romantic

and

personal

relationships

in

general.

Bad manners and discourteousness increase when we leave behind basic standards of polite behavior in favor of
incorrect, rude and disrespectful treatment. These bad habits that result in rude conduct tend to be worse in areas with
socialist tendencies, but are not limited to such environments, and represent a worrisome societal model devalues all of
us: the elderly, women, as well as those who are considered different because of race or physical aspects, etc. The
absence of courtesy and good manners creates societies where individuals lack personal dignity and subjects them to an
environment where rude behavior and inappropriate conduct are considered normal. In todays societies its common for
people to regard courtesy as old-fashioned and out-of-date, so that increasingly more individuals behave rudely, making
interaction difficult and creating an unpleasant social environment that makes people want to run and hide.
In todays society, bad manners can be observed anytime, anywhere. This sort of discourtesy is ever present and
examples are too numerous to count or even mention: the disrespectful treatment of elderly people; invitations that arent
responded to in any way; the lack of commitment to any event, job, or person; confirming attendance with no intention of
attending; the strange disappearance of please and thank you from most peoples vocabulary; line-jumping; serial
texters and cell-phone addicts who talk on the phone, as well as read and send text messages instead of paying attention
to physically present persons; the friend or colleague who never offers to pick up the bill at lunch, or even pay their own
way; repulsive children (the spitting image of their parents) who think that the world rotates around them and behave
obnoxiously

because

of

it,

etc,

etc.

We tend to blame the younger generation for these rude behaviors, but the truth is that the situation is degrading all ages
and levels of society. So much that now it is commonplace to see couples openly insulting each other in public and
treating each other with absolutely no common courtesy (a sliding scale which leads directly to physical and verbal
abuse). Just as unfortunate, and equally common is disrespectful and dishonest treatment between colleagues in the
business world, who fall back on tricks, half-truths and crude vocabulary to make ends meet. And then, to add insult to
injury, these issues are left to be resolved by enormous and costly governmental programs, that can do nothing when
facing this irreversible deterioration of personal relationships without the involvement and commitment of everyday people
in

their

everyday

lives.

The lessons of courtesy and good manners taught to us by our parents at home, or perhaps by teachers at school, too
often forgotten, are increasingly absent in the mainstream education of children. This phenomenon is a byproduct of an
absurd social model that certain politicians attempt to impose where manners must be re-taught to adults by companies
that offer courses in protocol and courtesy to professionals in business environments. But we mustnt be fooled, to triumph
in this world, we have to make good use of good manners and courtesy from the beginning, it wont do to call a possible
partner dude, and say Hey, babe to the future mother of your children or No way will I take that, you jerk to your
friend.
The deterioration of verbal communication is an evident and alarming symptom of the absence of good manners. The
most elemental level of any society is personal relationships. Positive relationships are built on courtesy and a society that

has no regard for polite speech is on the path to swift decline. Our tolerance for rude and discourteous behavior seems to
infinite and no relationship is immune to the effects of disrespectful conduct and coarse treatment in todays society.
Whether were dealing with insults from other drivers, curt and disagreeable treatment customer service or the rude and
aggressive attitudes of people on the street or at work. All of these behaviors contribute to the lowering of our standards
for polite behavior, standards that concern and affect all of us, and we tolerate or justify this inappropriate and
unacceptable behavior because were lazy and apathetic and used to a general dynamic of bad manners.
So while manners may seem unimportant, theyre really vital, because discourteous and vulgar conduct only tarnish the
dignity of people and the society that allow them. Good manners, like any learned behavior, require practice and effort.
Certain social and governmental models that some central powers favor would have people believe that effort and hard
work arent necessary for success and material comforts. A clear example of this kind of political culture and its negative
effect on common courtesy and personal relationships is Spain, where the socialist government does nothing to foment
respect, courtesy or good manners, strengthening models that promote a system of entitlement. This kind of government
promises certain citizens the world for their votes, and create generations of citizens that think they have a right to free
healthcare, a certain type of housing, and no obligation to work or make any effort for any of these things without any
consideration for the citizens that work and pay for these free programs. In this type of system overachievers are
sometimes looked down upon as show-offs and formal manners and courteous treatment are often considered
unnecessary

artifices.

Modern society, or those societies that really want to be modern, must promote and practice good manners, in such a way
that these things become the norm, and not isolated cases of exemplary citizens, the way they are now.

Furthermore, courtesy, respect and manners are essential for success in the workplace. In times of economic crisis, this is
an indispensable requirement for obtaining and maintaining employment. Its time for a return to common courtesy and
polite speech; time for the reappearance of good morning , how are you? and please and thank you. Giving up your
seat to an older person or a pregnant women shouldnt be the exception, but should be the rule. Modern tendencies
towards friendlier business relationships, as well as increased openness, and warmth in relationships in general are fine
and good, but these new tendencies shouldnt supersede, but rather should accompany traditions of courtesy and good
manners

in

all

interactions

be

they

at

work

or

at

home.

Certain bad-mannered and ungrateful citizens, are walking advertisements for the failings of society in this area. In a
digitalized society, rude behavior is sometimes facilitated by new technologies. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the
inappropriate use of cell phones by individuals who pay more attention to text messages and phone calls than the person
or

task

at

hand.

The unpopular truth is that some basic rules of social and familial behavior are essential, trying to get rid of them, or avoid
them could convert current societies into a veritable social jungle. Or worse. Because even animals seem to have certain
standards

for

adequate

behavior

and

conduct.

Very often we focus on world issues and so-called bigger problems as if other, smaller concerns make no difference,
when in fact, important change can begin with something as simple as being friendly and showing off good manners. All of
us can contribute to the improvement of society. But good intentions arent enough, action is required. Educating and
training children in manners and protocol promises improvement in todays society as well as in the future. Educating isnt
just the job of teachers, but of each and every one of us; by becoming positive examples for others, we show children how
to live together, how to be courteous and how to conduct themselves in their daily lives. Vulgarity and rudeness must be
pulled out at their roots, lest we fall victim to the inappropriate conduct in speech and dress that has become prevalent in

other

countries.

The United States has always been an exceptional society, even when it comes to good manners and we mustnt permit
other societies bad examples (like that of Spain, where bad habits and discourtesy seem to have extended to all social
sectors) influence the long-lived model of courteous behavior and conduct in America. A long tradition of authority and
discipline, in society and family in American culture permits the strengthening of good manners without the use of force,
with firmness, always favoring respect, dignity, and the integrity of its people. Good manners and courtesy are keys to not
only to successful interactions with our fellow human beings, but to economic and political success as well for America,
Americans,

and

the

rest

of

the

world.

The Decline of Courtesy in Society

2 Pages
545 Words
Courtesy throughout the generations has deteriorated among everyone. Possible causes for the decline of courtesy in
society are lower standards of morals, the courtesy we receive ourselves, and the want for materialistic things. With the
demeanor of morals, self-confidence, and values being little to none; courtesy among ourselves and strangers has
diminished.
In a whole, society has turned into greedy and self-absorbed people. The standard morals of now differ highly from
generations ago. People were more giving, helpful, and sympathetic before my time. The incessant want for materialistic
things has turned our generation into green-eyed monsters. As a result of our selfishness, courtesy among people in
general is now hateful. We respond to people in need in a way that is egotistic. We feel that we will never have to be in a
position of need a dime for that extra emergency phone call, or we will never have a tire blow-out on the highway. We, our
society, thinks too highly of itself causing us to not be empathetic.
In the same way that moral values affect our kindness and courtesy, the response we receive from other people affect our
reactions. For instance, when standing in a grocery line being checked out and not having quite the right change. If a
willing person behind you were to spare some change, you would be more likely to return the favor towards another
person short on hand. Similarly, when driving through heavy traffic; if someone were to cut you off, you would be more
prone to drive offensively. In addition to our moral values and the way respond to others, we tend to have not realized the
importance of human life. We blow off a kind thank you and not even think of the impact that a compliment would have on
someone. A kind attitude or a courteous gesture shown would give people a reason to be courteous to others.
We take human feelings and random acts of kindness for granted everyday. An excuse m...
The decline of common courtesy hurts our society
October 22, 2013 12:00 AM
I came across a letter titled "Cyclists, Please Show Courtesy to Trail Walkers (Aug. 9), and while I could not agree more with
the author, his letter made me realize that common courtesy really is not all that common anymore.
Since reading this letter, I began paying more attention to how people interact with others in public settings and found that
most people of my generation are too busy sipping a latte and staring at an iPhone screen to hold a door open, say hello to a
passerby, politely navigate an aisle in a grocery store or even, heaven forbid, use a turn signal when they are speeding to get
to the mall.
Growing up I was taught by those around me the importance of saying please and thank you, holding the door open for
those behind you as well as other simple gestures that add some human decency to an often chaotic world. This issue of
showing common courtesy on local recreation trails merely reflects an overall larger problem -- a rapid depletion of common
courtesy in our society.
Trust me, being 22 years old I understand that sometimes it can be a pain to hold a door open for someone who then doesn't
even say thank you, but in the grand scheme of things, if people only did things for some external reward or recognition there
would be a lot left undone.

It seems to me this growing trend of living in a society with smartphones and ignorant people is leading to further government
regulation in areas that not all that long ago were regulated by widely accepted etiquette standards, otherwise known as
common courtesy. Today, it's regulating the distance allowed between motorists and cyclists on roadways; tomorrow it could
be regulating whether to hold open a door for a stranger if they're within a certain number of feet of a doorway.
REBECCA
Baldwin Borough

CONLEY

READERS discuss the changing and enduring forces that help to shape the way we behave.
I stand for politeness
THROUGHOUT my youth and to date I have always given up my seat on the bus or train for those more needy than
myself.
Most of the time the gesture is met with gratitude, but on rare occasions iT Is met with grumpiness and a lack of
graciousness, which has never deterred me from continuing the practice.
When I was a student we would not have dreamed of remaining in our seats while a more senior person was left standing.
Hence I share Rex Jory's disappointment with some of today's students armed with an overly generous sense of selfentitlement (The Advertiser, yesterday).
Unless more people actually speak up, the practice will continue. If polite requests are ignored, one could always phone
the school to register a complaint.
On a positive note, all is not lost. Every day I see wonderful examples of well-mannered youths. They may not always be
on the buses but they are there.
JOANNE HOUGH, Keith.
Chivalry is dead
SAD but true, Rex Jory - the age of chivalry is over, relegated to a bygone era (The Advertiser, yesterday).
The courtesies you refer to are now seen as patronising or politically incorrect.
This in a society that is becoming increasingly self-absorbed.
BRIAN COOMBES, Para Hills.
It starts at home
HOW right you are, Rex Jory, regarding "Old-fashioned good manners have been trashed" (The Advertiser, yesterday).
It all begins in the home - not schools or the community. Sadly, these requirements to become a person to be admired
have fallen by the wayside.
To have a door opened for you, or a seat offered, is admirable.
NORA SYMONDS, Seaview Downs.
Just an observation

AT the risk of stating the bleeding obvious, Rex, why didn't your mate on the Unley bus stand up and give the elderly
woman his seat? I would have.
MAUREEN GOLDIE, Blackwood.
Can't eat, can't throw
WHAT'S wrong with today's schoolchildren? Two sangers and two misses.
BILL DOBELL, Sebastopol, Vic.
Faith made us do it
LAMENTING the collapse of good manners and respect for elderly people, Rex Jory rightly asks: where did it all go
wrong? (The Advertiser, yesterday).
Interestingly, the letters column rages with arguments for and against Christian spirituality.
True followers of Christ receive peace with God which informs and impels the resolve to firmly love our neighbours
(including senior citizens).
But atheism provides no enthusiasm for seeking the higher good of others - if humans are nothing more than cosmic
accidents. The nations that have imposed atheism invariably provide a salutary warning that Australia should not abandon
foundational faith.
DAVID d' LIMA, Sturt.
Trust the argument
THE member for Fisher, Bob Such, complains that in the SA Parliament there are many adherents of religious groups who
seek to impose their beliefs on the majority (The Advertiser, 29/5/13).
Surely in our democracy, if the arguments of proponents of a particular view are valid in debate their religious beliefs are
immaterial.
ROBERT BRITTEN-JONES, Walkerville.
Work it out yourself
THE claim by Eric Abetz and others (The Advertiser, 29/5/13) that we can't have ethics without religion or a world view is
an insult to every human on the planet.
If as young children we haven't developed an abstract world view or haven't read a religious text, does this mean we have
no ethics?
Even tribal animals know what's right and wrong in their group and behave accordingly (they know they're in trouble if they
don't). Aren't we capable also?
It's much better to respond sensibly to an unexpected situation than to rely on someone else or just fall back to a formula
we've read in a book.
Our moral strength grows from our reactions to daily experiences. All religions have parables or stories that can enhance
our daily life, but they were never intended as a replacement for it.

The best lessons, our basis for ethics in real life, have to be practical ones.
DARIAN HILES, Adelaide.
Find other targets
SO Atheism SA president Brian Morris believes that religion is divisive ("Ethics have evolved", The Advertiser, 31/5/13)
and this is his rationale for wanting religion in general, and Christianity in particular, to disappear.
I wonder if Brian is willing to take down politics, sport and child vaccination with the same hate-fuelled aggression with
which he is tackling religion?
He believes ethics have evolved well beyond Christian dogma, yet ignores the current furore currently engulfing the AFL.
Racism, particularly racism targeted at black people, has its deep-seated roots in evolution, a religion Brian endorses
wholeheartedly. If those are the ethics he is so proud of, may God help us all.
KAYLENE SMITH, Strathalbyn.
Our beliefs mature
AS a humanist, I would suggest that Christians derive their morals from the same place as the rest of us - the evolutionary
instincts (for example, empathy) that have increasingly enabled us to survive and prosper in highly populated communities
(where co-operation and hence numbers have been what makes us "fittest" to survive).
Morality and ethics have enabled us to live good and prosperous lives while co-operation has built our environment into
the cities and homes we live in today.
Unfortunately Christians sometimes filter any thinking that should be based on that instinct through the belief that morality
is about obeying a god and putting that god above human concerns.
But by simply "obeying" we relinquish all responsibility for our own actions and cease any actual moral understanding at
all.
Some of that thinking has gone into books that were the best attempts at the time but have become dogma for a great
many.
Meanwhile, secular ethics has steadily improved as we understand how harm can eventuate. This has resulted in
believers of such dogmas remaining many years behind in their moral thinking while the rest of us have improved our
understanding of how that dogma causes human damage. Hence the church finds resistance.
We should take the lessons of the giants upon whose shoulders we stand while recognising that dogma delays human
progress. It's time to think for ourselves.
JUSTIN MILLIKAN, President,
Humanist Society of SA, Gawler.
It's time we talked
THE most positive outcome, from four days of letters on secular and religious "ethics", is that the City of Churches has
actually begun to talk openly about it, and for that The Advertiser must be congratulated.

While Senator Eric Abetz and Tory Shepherd created good media mileage, this couldn't - due to limited editorial space dwell too deeply on all the important elements.
The issues that underpin this whole debate of "modern versus traditional ethics" are quite varied and detailed.
While controversial comments make interesting theatre, it does little to encourage balanced debate on a swathe of
contemporary ethical dilemmas. It merely stirs, once again, a confrontational mindset.
Letters allow people to express their points of view, as they should, but while it's a vehicle for a variety of opinions it
doesn't always contribute greatly to reason.
Just one case in point is Margaret Minney's letter ("Who would decide?", The Advertiser, yesterday), which misrepresents
my call for the teaching of secular ethics to all schoolchildren. It doesn't discriminate against religion, it simply provides a
"balance"; as is the case with most Western countries.
It would be encouraging the see The Advertiser taking a greater role by running more in-depth articles - with a balanced
secular and religious viewpoint - on some of the contemporary issues that face all South Australians. It won't settle the
long-standing dichotomy but it will certainly contribute more light, rather than heat, to such an important debate.
BRIAN MORRIS, President,
Atheism SA Inc., Netherby.
Suspended sentences
JOHN White makes a good point. In deciding our response to the current government proposal to limit judicial discretion
in handing out suspended sentences to certain categories of offenders, we have to be careful we don't undermine the very
criminal justice system upon which we all rely to maintain law and order in our society (The Advertiser, yesterday).
As he indicates, judicial discretion in sentencing is a vital aspect of that system.
It's a discretion that, because of the complexities of human nature and society, cannot be constrained beyond a certain
point without interfering with the social objectives we seek in punishing offenders.
In the light of his fine column, the question for us now is whether we would lose more than we would gain in achieving a
safe society by fair and just means if we further limit judicial discretion in deciding whether or not to suspend
jail sentences for our most dangerous offenders.
TERRY HEWTON, Henley Beach South.
Beds will be needed
IT is pleasing to see that Premier Jay Weatherill's mob are planning on increasing the number of prison beds (The
Advertiser, yesterday).
When the proverbial hits the fan they will be needed to accommodate the politicians, bankers, company directors and
auditors that will surely grace our prisons.
IAN SAMPSON, Cowell.
Roll-out hazard

THERE was a recent report, which seems to have gone largely unnoticed, that there would be an NBN rollout in the
marginal seat of Adelaide.
The good citizens of Prospect may now be aware of the potential hazards from asbestos in their streets and older houses.
What is their reaction?
J. WOODS, Warradale.
Job loss headlines
WHEN a large number of workers in one company lose their jobs and it ends up in the headlines, the Government
responds with shed loads of money to help them get new jobs.
Why exactly do those people deserve any different or better treatment than all the other people who end up unemployed
for all the reasons people do?
It's not that the politicians are concerned about the people who've lost their jobs, it's that they're concerned about the
headlines.
GORDON DRENNAN, Burton.
Plea falls on deaf ears
THE plea by Government urging those with minor ailments not to present themselves at hospitals for non-emergency
conditions (The Advertiser, yesterday) will fall on deaf ears as the major offenders would not read newspapers.
Our politicians need to pay a random visit to our emergency sections at the QEH or RAH so see what staff have to
tolerate.
Hospital staff know the biggest problem in emergency departments is the number of mentally ill patients who continually
haunt the hospitals and also the huge number of self-inflicted drug and/or alcohol patient admissions.
Ambulance drivers are also put under extreme pressure with more than half of their call-outs being for futile casualties.
These services need a government review.
BRUCE HAMBOUR, North Haven.
Long wait for GP
REGARDING "Minor ills clog hospital service" (The Advertiser, yesterday): what do RAH bureaucrats expect when it can
take days or weeks to see a GP - particularly in the neglected rural areas?
Do bureaucrats ever learn, because this has been pointed out to them before.
WALLACE B. WREFORD, Mt Gambier.

The Wall Street Journal's Eric Felten writes about "Courtesy's Sad Substitute"
-- specifically, "hypercorrectitude," as illustrated by the silence vigilantes on Amtrak's
"Quiet Cars."

As Felten points out, there's something missing when the only alternatives are being
forced to choose between the chaos of having to listen to everyone yammer loudly
into their cell phones or being policed by those who angrily "shush" even the
slightest peep in a "quiet car": Courtesy.

The phenomenon Felten diagnoses is the same one that has come to govern sexual
contact between young people at politically correct places like universities. In part
because of the erosion of universally-understood standards for proper behavior
between the sexes (perhaps "chivalry" here serves as an analogue to "courtesy" or
"civility"), the whole concept of "sexual harassment" came into being. And once that
happened, "hypercorrectitude" took over, to such an absurd extent that, at some
universities, specific verbal consent is required before each distinct act of a sexual
nature that transpires between two people.

That's the real problem when civility and manners erode. The disappearance of
more informal, self-governing ways of regulating human behavior gives rise to hardand-fast rules and codes to be administered mercilessly, regardless of context.

David Brooks theorizes that the root cause of the decline of civility is a lack of
modesty. And perhaps he's right -- for the first generation in which civility declines.
Thereafter, sadly, courtesy or civility -- call it what you will -- continues to disappear
apace because it's never been transmitted to or modeled for all too many young
people.

Courtesy throughout the generations has deteriorated among everyone Possible causes for the
decline of courtesy in society are lower standards of morals the courtesy we receive ourselves
and the want for materialistic things With the demeanor of morals self-confidence and values
being little to none courtesy among ourselves and strangers has diminishedIn a whole society
has turned into greedy and self-absorbed people The standard morals of now differ highly from
generations ago People were more giving helpful and sympathetic before my time The incessant
want for materialistic things has turned our generation into green-eyed monsters As a result
of our selfishness courtesy among people in general is now hateful We respond to people in
need in a way that is egotistic We feel that we will never have to be in a position of need a
dime for that extra emergency phone call or we will never have a tire blow-out on the highway
We our society thinks too highly of itself causing us to not be empathetic In the same way
that moral values affect our kindness and courtesy the response we receive from other people
affect our reactions For instance when standing in a grocery line being checked out and not

having quite the right change If a willing person behind you were to spare some change you
would be more likely to return the favor towards another person short on hand Similarly when
driving through heavy traffic if someone were to cut you off you would be more prone to drive
offensively In addition to our moral values and the way respond to others we tend to have not
realized the importance of human life We blow off a kind thank you and not even think of the
impact that a compliment would have on someone A kind attitude or a courteous gesture shown
would give people a reason to be courteous to others We take human feelings and random acts of

The only values held by society are pleasure and instant gratification

People no longer care about how their interactions with others effect the outside world. Today, everything is about instant gratification
and pleasure. I can do whatever I want to anyone, but they dare not do it back to me. I can close the door in someone's face, push
them aside in annoyance, or publicly humiliate them. Anything that gives me a shot of pleasure is acceptable - because I am the
exception. This mentality is being fed by social media. People are given the perfect place to totally immerse themselves in themselves if you wanted to you could literally spend all day everyday for the rest of your life looking at nothing but pictures of yourself, and doing
nothing but talking about yourself. None of your 5,000 "friends" will say anything, because it would by hypocritical of them.
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2

Unknowing youth.

I would say that about a rough 75% of children who grow up in America and were born past the year 2008 will never know what true
virtue is. Virtue has decayed over the past years due to mass media. Things are not made with quality like they used to be, and almost
everything done is for money. People now are putting less heart into their work and more greed. The children who grow up around
these lack of virtues will never know true virtues at all.

We are becoming an unruly society

We are in a role reversed society. More and more kids are defining the boundaries rather than parents teaching core values, family
customs, and patriotism. There is little to no discipline for poor behavior. The word "excuse" has replaced "accountability". Rarely do
you see a kid hold a door for someone, say hello, or even hang up the phone when talking to you. They EXPECT everything the world
can offer them rather than see what they can offer the world. The more disrespectful people get, the quicker it spreads to others. Not
trying to sound like doom and gloom but that's what I observe on a daily basis. It used to be rare and now it is norm. One can only
imagine how unruly this society will actually get before the trend reverses again.
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2

Yes, television network programming.

I can blame many networks but the one that I'd like to point out is MTV it's a prime example of where our values lie. People think its just
entertainment but it does something to your mind when you watch it. It screws you up, makes shocking things less shocking. So normal
life becomes boring ad people need to act out.

Definitely, we just have to take a look at our uprising generation.

This generation knows not what respect is, they don't respect themselves nor others. Majority are not disciplined and have little to no
idea of what their morals and values should be. Their mind is empty, we live in a society where we see kids disrespecting elders and
talk down to them, an action that would have gotten you your teeth knocked out of your mouth in my days. Kids aspire to be and admire
celebrities such as Drake, Chief Kief, shows like Jersey Shore. All or most that only promote profanity, promotes kids to let their desire
rule over them, to be guided by lust instead of having self control. Saying that its okay to call women *itches or an African American
men a *igger. Where the brand of your shirt is more important then the grade on your test. We see little girls using their bodies to call
attention to themselves posting half-naked pictures on social sites and young boys who no longer know the role or definition of a
gentleman. It's sad.
Posted by: Incognito
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1

Yes, America has become an utterly depraved place.

Jersey Shore, Honey Boo Boo, TLC, Chris Dorner being praised as the new Django, bombing foreign lands for oil and the media that
cheers them on, the perversion of our history by liberals, the militarization of our society by conservatives, the vilification of Muslims by
the right, and the vilification of whites by the left. Need I say more?
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1

Deteriorating family values

I see a decline in traditional family values; marriage between a man and woman; sense of responsibility regarding making it on your
own;
belief
in
God;
pride
in
your
country
and
your
workmanship.
An

alarming

increase

in

out-of-wedlock

births,

particularly

in

the

black

community.

A decline of respect for public school teachers and people in positions of authority is eroding our great nation.
Too many people are dependent on the government, both local and federal for handouts.
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1

After 5 Decades of witnessing Society Values

I have to say that society's values are almost non existent today. There is little respect for people or property. Anyone over 35 or 40
years of age can tell you just by looking around. People don't stop at stop signs, don't let you out of your parking spot. Park their
shopping cart in the middle of an isle and walk away leaving the isle blocked for everyone else. These things show that society is selfish
and self centred where in years gone by people would be polite and caring about these things. Today it's all for one and one for one. To
hell with everyone else.

Posted by: ADicerni

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0

Life Feels Harder

Life is not as positive or as easy as it was 25 years ago. We are not improving on anything, just multiplying the "things" we all have to
do just to survive. Too much information to sort through and respond to robs us of the enjoyment of work and our lives.
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0

It's okay as long as youre happy.

It has become far too acceptable to be a loser in the U.S. It is okay to disrespect others, to be poor, to have children out of wedlock, to
marry/divorce/and remarry so many times, in general mediocrity and failure is becoming far too acceptable. Our country is destroying
itself by accepting these things as long as people are happy. A murderer is happy murdering people, but that doesn't make it right, A
rapist is happy raping, but that doesn't make it right. Nobody wants to take responsibility for their actions, but they still want to do things
that require responsibility. There are consequences to every action, and they should be thought through before going through with the
actions. It starts with the children, a child born into an insecure home made up of married teen parents who will most likely divorce and
start new families will most likely grow up in poverty where the decline of social values is rampant, and then accept these things as a
way of life and create the same life for their children and project these atrocities onto the next generation
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0

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Society's values are simply evolving, not deteriorating.

Old people, mostly, think that society's values are deteriorating, because they're used to how it used to be, back in the day. Each
person's definition of values differs. Some people believe in slavery still, so, now that we frown upon that, it must be society's problem.
Homosexuality is in the same situation. Slowly, people are changing their minds, because they fear what they don't understand. Once
they understand something, it softens it and makes it easier to go along with.
Posted by: PricklyAndrea35
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I'd say that society's values are only changing, rather than deteriorating.

Certain moral ideals have changed over time, but that does not necessarily mean that society is becoming more immoral. An obvious
example of changing values would be the issue of sex before marriage. Abstinence until marriage used to be fairly popular, but it isn't
practiced by many anymore. I just have trouble seeing how this makes society less "noble". It's simply a change that is indicative of
open-mindedness and the freedom to make responsible decisions.

Change is constant

Every generation feel that the next generation is changing and is becoming worst. What was right for my grandfather may be wrong for
my father and may be ok for me. General behaviour may change from generation to generation that's not deterioration. 'Trust &
Transparency' are the two basic values of Society and are still practiced across families and society at large. Yes there will be many
dishonest people but so long as majority are not cheating or committing fraud, the world is safe.
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This is simply evolution in progress.

When you look at what was, and what we have now, what do you see? Some may say now that we have lack of faith, we're being too
easy on what people can do. But if that's the case, look at 3,000 years ago. We're we even better then than in the 50's? Was that the
pinnacle of all human life? With women as cleaning and cooking machines? Think about it.
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Society values are deteriorating.

Self centered is the word I use for society today, especially the younger generation. They do what they want, don't respect their
elders....These days it is more important to have branded clothes rather than having A on that mark card.Back in my time, it was all
different .We knew the meaning of OBEY and RESPECT.
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Nothing Important Anymore

Society used to value things of great importance, but what do we even value anymore? I mean honestly, we value material things
instead of morals. Although I'm young, I can see the changes that have evolved over time. The rates of deterioation are becoming
alarmingly quick, however. We could fix this, but my guess? It's already too late.
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We are a species with amnesia.

. So often do generation X-ers and before forget how life was in their day. Baby boomers notoriously criticize their offspring for being
"lazy, ungrateful, disrespectful, and in need of instant gratification", yet, forget about their own sexual, social, and political
rebelliousness only a few decades ago. As for young people today, we are accustomed to instant gratification because it's finally
possible. Forever gone are the days where one would have to look up a word's definition in a paper dictionary, or visit a physical bank
to know the status of your account, or wander bars, clubs, and streets in the endless hope of finding a date. Now, it can all be done
instantly; why shouldn't it be? We're not nave to the fact that a goal combined with hard work and diligence gets you a better shot at
success. Nor do we think that having zero social skills is a ticket to meeting friends and forming relationships. As every other comment
here states, society is evolving - not changing. And human nature will always stay the same. The question now comes down to you: Will
you evolve? Or will you continue to reminisce about the "good ole' days" while slowly making yourself less productive, less useful, and
more obsolete to our rapidly expanding society?

More money is spent on spirituality and morality.

In countries like INDIA, as compared to the past decades, more capital is invested by various spiritual organizations and institutions for
developing morality in the citizens. It cannot be concluded that,these activities and programmes are unable to bring changes in
socety.Organizations such as "Chinmaya mission" founded by Late.Swami Chinmayananda are on the path of bringing improvements
in the morality of the citizens.Not only in hinduism,but also many other individuals and leaders of many other religions are also there in
this field.But,also there are a number of fake organizations which capture a large amount of money in this name.
More money is spent on spirituality and morality.
In countries like INDIA, as compared to the past decades, more capital is invested by various spiritual organizations and institutions for
developing morality in the citizens. It cannot be concluded that,these activities and programmes are unable to bring changes in
socety.Organizations such as "Chinmaya mission" founded by Late.Swami Chinmayananda are on the path of bringing improvements
in the morality of the citizens.Not only in hinduism,but also many other individuals and leaders of many other religions are also there in
this field.But,also there are a number of fake organizations which capture a large amount of money in this name.

Seven Signs that Common Courtesy is Dying - An Observation

Updated on August 10, 2013
Is common courtesy dead???
Source
Last night, my husband and I went downtown to watch the Fourth of July fireworks on the Empire State Plaza. It was a hot night, and
the crowd was out in force. We arrived early, so that we would get good parking, and decided to walk up a few blocks to grab a
sandwich for dinner instead of simmering in the heat eating deep fried pickles, cotton candy, and overcooked burgers from the food
booths on the plaza. After a nice walk, it felt awesome to walk into the air-conditioned sub shop. As we checked out, I had an
experience that seems to be occurring in my life more and more. The woman who finished up our sandwiches and checked us out
made a comment that reminded me that customer service skills are on the decline and common courtesy may in fact be dying. These
are my observations.
#1: The Sandwich Lady
My husband and I each ordered a large sandwich at a chain sub shop last night. I did the ordering for both of us, knowing that he
wanted his usual sandwich, piled high with veggies. When I checked out, the sandwich lady kept giving me a look as she piled some
napkins next to my husbands sandwich, which she had made a bit of a mess of, but never mind. She said, Thats yours, isnt it. I said
yes, as I wanted to make sure that I was paying for what I ordered. She followed that with another look and, humph, that is a biiiggg
sandwich. I was slightly speechless, as her words clearly implied that she thought I was about to make a pig of myself. I paid, handed
my husband his sandwich and made my way to the other side of the restaurant to eat, slightly annoyed by her remark. Isnt she there to
sell sandwiches? Should she care if I order six sandwiches and eat them all myself? Shouldnt she have said something more like,
Thank you. Enjoy your meal? Wouldnt that have been the way to get me back as a customer?

A Book of Courtesy: The Art of Living with Yourself and Others

#2: The People on the Sidewalk
I didnt let the sandwich lady ruin my night, but I think the experience heightened my senses for the evening. After our quick dinner, we
made our way back downtown to the plaza to find a place to view the fireworks. We settled on a spot on the edge of the sidewalk just
down the steps from the main part of the plaza. It was a perfect viewing spot, and a couple of families with children settled on either
side of us with blankets laid out. There was a clear pathway between us and another group of people. I suppose it was the natural way
of things, so that people could still pass by. Then, a couple with a small, and smelly, dog took up a spot right in the middle of the
walkway. They were clearly in the way of people passing, and they clearly didnt care. As the night progressed, a few people barged
right through them, which left the woman with the dog shouting at passersby. One woman with a baby stroller was trying to pass and
said, excuse me three times very loudly. The dog woman gave her a dirty look and an incomprehensible comment before she moved
enough to let the woman through. I dont know what is worse: those that barged through, those that ignore the politeness of others, or
those that just blatantly stand in the way and inconvenience everyone around. Wouldnt the courteous move have been to find a place
on the curb a little further up?
These two examples of disregarding common courtesy last night got me thinking of all the other things I have observed lately that fit
this trend.
The Grocery Store
I could write a whole hub about the lack of customer service skills that are displayed in the local grocery stores, but I will limit myself to
two.
#3: The Bag Incident
When I go to the grocery store, I try to do my part by bringing my own reusable grocery bags. I really like to either check out myself or
at least bag myself, but sometimes it is not possible. On one occasion, there was a woman doing the bagging who really broke the
rules of common courtesy. As the grocery items moved down the belt towards her, I told her that I had my own bags. I handed her the
pile and proceeded to empty my cart. As I turned back around, I saw her starting to put my items into plastic bags. I let her know that I
would appreciate it if she used my bags first, knowing that there was plenty of room. Oh, you dont want me to put food in these dirty
bags directly do you? she said. I was gob smacked! First, my bags were not dirty. They are made of an off white canvas that has some
speckles in it. Second, even if my bags were dirty, she should have piled the groceries into them with a smile and a have a nice day. I
have to admit that my ability to be courteous died in that moment too, and I ended that trip by bagging my own groceries.
#4: No Cell Phones, PLEASE!
The other area where common courtesy has died in the grocery store also occurs at the checkout lane. On so many occasions, I queue
up and check out with not so much as a hello from the cashier. I have faced cashiers who were talking on acell phone, taking texting
breaks between scanning items, and talking about very personal topics with the other cashiers within earshot. Sometimes I just want to
stand there and shout, Hello! I am standing here and would like some good service, PLEASE! Is that too much to ask?

Source
#5: Hold the Sugar, please...
I am an avid coffee drinker. Many days on my way to work, I will drive through a local branch of the coffee shop chain that all of America
supposedly runs on, and order a cup to take with me to work. Since I have to drink the coffee, I, like so many others, would like it
prepared to my taste. That means only one sugar, please. One morning when I got to the drive up window to pay, the young man at the
window made quite a scene about my cup of coffee. You only get ONE sugar? How can you drink THAT!? I cant drink coffee unless it
has like five sugars He went on and on dangling my coffee just out of reach. Couldn't I have just got a thank you without being
bombarded with his criticism and disgust? As far as I am concerned, he can drink his coffee however he likes, as long as he only puts
one sugar in mine.

#6: And Hold the Mayo too...

The last time I moved, I had a hard time finding a good place to get my hair done. On one occasion, I was slightly desperate for a trim,
and I ended up in a mall salon that looked respectable. My hair cut came out fine in the end, but the experience was far from the
pampering one expects at a salon. As she was cutting my hair, the hairdresser got a visit from a friend who worked in the restaurant
across the hall. Her friend brought her some dinner, wrapped nicely in foil to keep it hot. The hairdresser couldnt wait. She ripped open
the foil and started to multitask. She nibbled with one hand as she applied dye to my hair. At one point, I thought I saw some sauce or
mayo on my hair. I didnt want to be rude, since she was about to take scissors to my hair, but I thought the courteous move would have
been to wait until she was finished to take her dinner break. Needless to say, I didnt return for a second cut.

Source
#7: Apparently the Customer is NOT Always Right
A few months ago, we purchased a new, custom built computer from a local business. We felt great about supporting a local small
business, and we were excited to get a product built to our specifications. Then we brought the machine home. For three months, we
struggled with this machine. It crashed continuously and just didnt work properly. Over and over, we took it back to be fixed, as our
warranty guaranteed. We knew that one of the components must be faulty, but we didnt know which one. On the first trip in, the
computer guy tried to tell us that we had a virus and that he wouldnt cover the repairs. I put my foot down and insisted, and thankfully
he complied. On subsequent visits, he insisted that we were having software difficulties, which were not covered under the warranty. He
would do a quick fix and we would go home hopeful that the machine would work this time. After a day or two, or maybe a week, we
ended up back in his shop. In the end, it turned out that we had a faulty hardware piece. The computer guy had spent three months
denying that he could have built a faulty machine and that we must be doing something wrong. What happened to the concept that the
customer is always right? What happened to small business owners who go above and beyond to make things right for their neighbors?
In the end, we were right, and it took a threat of small claims court to resolve the issue. When did customer service deteriorate to the
point that one has to resort to court to get what he or she paid for?
Final Thoughts
I think common courtesy is a skill that we all need to practice consciously. When I am out for a walk in the neighborhood, I smile or say
hello to people I pass on the sidewalk. When I start a class, I say good morning. When I end a class, I say, Have a good day. It
amazes me how many neighbors and students dont return the sentiment. Have we become that disconnected? Is common courtesy
dying? Thankfully, I think the positive experiences still outweigh the negative. Most of the time, a cashier will say thank you and
exchange small talk. Often, neighbors will smile back, and there is always at least one student who will return with a you too when I
tell them to have a good day. These positive moments make me hopeful that we will all remain human, as I believe being kind and
courteous to others is one of the things that makes us human beings.