Old versus Young?

Question

Has anyone else noticed how the older generation complain that "todays youth" have no manners, when in actual fact, it's the other way round?! More often than not, when i stand back to let someone through, the older ones, i'd say 55+, have NO manners whatsoever!! I get soo frustrated with the lack of courtesy that i just have to shout (very sarcastically) WHY THANKYOU!!!! OH,NO PROBLEM!!!!! One time, i was in ASDA and this old women just rammed her damn trolley at me, gave me a mucky look and carried on walking! I was tempted to start crying and shout about "that nasty old women" who just wheeled me down!!! In fairness, you do get some, nice older people who have manners and courtesy, but then you get the ones who cross the road just to avoid, and give very dirty looks at that supposed yob that is me! Just because I'm a teenager doesn't mean I'm going to mug them or something! Does anyone else feel this way?! I'm pretty sure it isn't just me!

Ps, I'm sorry for those who are reading this who are 55+ and actually have the ability to say thankyou once in a while

By the way I'm 13

xx

Answer 1

Ah, those were the days, 'todays youth' I got sick of hearing it when I was your age and I still get sick of hearing it now, I am almost 50, I have a lot of respect for the youth of today simply because I remember my own youth very well, you are so right about people my age and older been extremely rude, I think your suppost to go on a training course at 50 plus on 'how to pick on the youth and be down right vulgar and rude to them', well I aren't going on it, I was in a shop myself on Tuesday, minding my own business looking at a top, a woman of about 60ish just literally pushed past me, knocked me flying, turned to look at me and asked if I had a problem, I replied with your manners yes, she flounced off and called me a stupid cow, how rude is that, I was stood at a bus stop many, many years ago in my hip finery looking cool for my night out on the town, a lady who my mam knew started saying to everyone in the queue that the shoes and clothes I had on looked ridiculous and my hair and make up were terrible, I was upset and mortified that someone her age could be so cruel and bad mannered, later, when she realised who my mam was she said sorry, but it was too late, the damage had been done, I vowed at an early age I would never be like that to anyone younger than me when I grew old and I still stand by that today, you just stick up for your principles and do not be disrespected by anyone, regardless of their age, their is no excuse for bad manners is there, just ignore the rude ignorant oldies they have little respect for anyone, regardless of age.

Answer 2

I understand how you feel, and you're not wrong. You do get rude people from all age groups, races, religions and walks of life. I think it's also fair to say that some older people don't feel obligated to show younger generations any respect as peers because they're the older, more revered generation now.

I hope you won't allow that to discourage or change you though - I think it's great that you display common courtesy and respect in a time when it seems to be severely lacking.

Answer 3

I am 46 years old this sunday. I have found some very young people that are rude, and some very old people. I, myself, work with teens and have made them the focus of my career. I think it is a misconseption to group everyone together according to age. Until I got to know quite a few teens on a more personal level, I thought that most teens were defiant, but then I realized that we were all basically the same as teens. We all have our "stuff." I have also run in to some older people with terrible attitudes. I think we just have to remember, when people are that miserable on the outside, the inside must be suffering terribly. We then must move on and be thankful for all of the people in the world with the bright sunny attitudes... "peace"

Answer 4

I agree with what you say regarding some ppl. I have noticed this as well and im not your age!!
Some older ppl though are lovely, they are polite and good humoured.
When I was in my 20's I had waited ages alone in the cold for a bus, when it came I went to get on first as I was in the front of the Q and cold. This old guy stepped in front and put his arm out , muttering something and looked daggers at me, and let his wife on first. Why didn't he just ask if she could go first if she was frail or something and say she couldnt stand etc, why be so damn nasty about??
Then again youngsters do this to older folk, i've seen them push from the back of the Q in droves and dive on the bus in front of frail old ladies etc!!
lets face it theres good and bad in all age ranges!!

Answer 5

Rudeness comes in all ages I'm afraid. I applaud you for your respect for manners and especially at such a young age. I think this says alot about you and your parents as well and a good upbringing.
My advice is to continue to be polite and try to educate others to be as well. I try to be polite to everyone and hope that it rubs off on people. I do think it works, although not with everyone.
Keep up the effort and I am proud of your desire to put a priority on manners, after all - it's all about respect.
Have a great day !

Answer 6

Ok Im 45 and I often find that both young and old have problems with courtesy. Usually it is the young but not always. That can always go back to the parents though not teaching them when growing up.

Answer 7

Well there are some old mean people, but its becuase of the young generation taking advantage of the older people so now thay started sticking up for themself. I know how you feel but when an old women push you need to tell them that they was rude and they might just tell you sorry.

Answer 8

I have found the opposite, mostly teenagers that aren't well-mannered. Either that or the mothers that have 3 screaming kids with them and they let them run all over the restaurant or store getting in the way of everyone else.

My daughter's children are very well behaved - in public and in the home.

Answer 9

Having worked with the public for years, I have found that rudness and ignorance come in all shapes, sizes, ages and colors.
The best advice is to treat others like you would want them to treat you.
Seems like you have been brought up with good manners....kudos to you !

Answer 10

Bless you young un. Yes I sometimes think some, not all, older generation do think they have a right to be rude but hey learn from this.