Are manners a thing of the past now?

Question

I was raised to say please and thank you to EVERYONE, look behind when I walk through a door to make sure that I don't drop it on anyone, get out of my seat when a more deserving person needed it, be respectful to adults and whole host of other things that I won't bore you with....

So why is it that so many people today, young and old, just don't seem to care anymore?

SUN M... I would get out of my seat for your grandfather, whether he was black, brown, blue or pink!

Answer 1

It's the type of society we live in, sad to say.
Like a previous question about consoles. Kids have lost contact with their parents. Parents, for the most part, have forgotten how to let their kids be just that, kids.
I hate it when people behave in such a rude manner.
Costs nothing to be polite!

Answer 2

I often wonder about this. My conclusions are that we spent so much time on stupid things, like men having to raise hats to ladies and stand up when a women walks into a room, that we'v ditched the whole lot. My ex-husband used to be very annoyed when I cut my bread with a knife instead of breaking it. A major crime, as far as he was concerned. (His lies, adulterous behaviour etc weren't considered rude.)
Anyway, we no longer teach our children manners that don't pertain to their own safety or well being.
My own stance on manners is that if it matters, then do it. Women can open their own doors, but not if they're bogged down with parcels. Older people and pregnant women need extra help.
By the way, I gave up my seat to a Hindu women, last week. She didn't thank me, probably because she couldn't speak English. But she smiled.
Manners show we care and it makes a bond.

Answer 3

Manners matters..

Sadly, I guess most of us have all grown to become less civic-minded today.. All that everyone cares is for themselves only.. Maybe parents have become "too busy" to teach their children simple, basic manners..

I personally still believe in acting out of courtesy and out of plain, simple manners.. I consider myself to be part of the younger generation (I'm in my early 20's), and have seen many of my peers who have lost these essential qualities.. Of course, I do get very annoyed with these also, but I've learned to give and to love - without expecting anything at all in return.. And I later find that I'm much happier too..

Still, please don't get discouraged.. Keep it up, and don't stop smiling to make someone else' day, don't stop giving your seat to anyone who's black, yellow, blue or pink (hehehe), don't stop speaking with grace and courtesy to everyone, don't stop giving way to the old and needy, and don't stop making your momma happy.. =)

Maybe someday, you'll also be rewarded too; while others will learn important lessons..

A huge THANK YOU for making the world a better place to live in.. This is the least that you can do and keep on doing..

Have a nice day and God bless! =)

Answer 4

I believe that manners are now most certainly becoming a thing of the past. Along with a cheery smile and greeting.

My grand-dad used to doff his hat to ladies in the street - I am sure this could become very tiring in this day and age, but the etiquette was lovely. Today, very few "men" are aware that it is rude to wear their hat inside.

We have little to look forward to in this country. The demise of good manners will be a sad loss - replaced by an arrogant, vicious and violent, ME, ME, ME culture.

Answer 5

It is nice to hear that people still care for others. I have been out of my city for a long time now and people just seem to be rude and indifferent. Probably the manners and etiquettes come while upbringing. Some just dont care.

Keep the good work. May god bless you.

Answer 6

It's because, these days, everybody has rights but nobody has responsibilities. I lament the lack of manners in today's society and, like you, I always try to be helpful and considerate. When I hold a door open for someone and they march through like it's my job or something, I always say, "No, no, it's quite alright," The more aware ones look shamefaced but the majority of people seem to think it's their right to be ignorant.

Answer 7

It's not completely dead but it is on the "endangered species" list. My husband and I are teaching our sons about manners. It's so cute to watch our 10 and 11 yr. old boys open doors for people and offer to help carry packages, etc... Our 11 yr. old is developmentally delayed and knows how to be polite. A lot of people are just in too big of a hurry to bother with manners.

Answer 8

I was raised military so I am with you. But your right, not just manners though its morals in general. When you take God out of all of the places we have yet our country and our money is based on God what are we teaching our children. Manners and morals begin at home and that is all we can really do. Involve our children in morally active programs, but its hard to change the world singlehandedly. But pass the word every one that makes the effort and passes it on, we will have at least made some difference. Right? Have a good one. Good Question.

Answer 9

They don't care anymore because they are ignorant with no respect for others, but also no real respect for themselves. It's only if you really respect yourself that you can put yourself out for others, otherwise you think that doing so makes you look like a chump, and being taken advantage of.

Sun_M, that's a mighty big chip on your shoulder.

EDIT: Manners have nothing to do with belief in a sky-pixie.

Answer 10

True what you say but, not all ppl are like that, i still have manners and i show it too, my father always tells me that when im out on the road to behave myslelf and have respect for others as it reflects on my family ( the ppl who knows myy family might be on road to) and i have always had that in mind, i guess it's the society we live in now so you should stop worrying about everyone as long as some ppl still have manners it might start to rub off on ppl