Is courtesy dead today?

Question

I was in London recently, kid says' Got the time mister'
I replied 'its 8:30', kid says 'ok'
no please or thankyou.

It's the same on here, youngsters are posting homework questions as orders, solve this, what the answer etc.

Answer 1

I notice that you didn't ask 'Could someone please tell me...' What goes around comes around...children pick up habits from their elders...

Answer 2

I'd have accepted the kid's "ok" as a thank you, although it's more of a 'closing comment'.
Yes, courtesy, a free thing which some treat so selfishly, as if keeping it to oneself would improve one's own life. It's a form of love which is only active when it's given.
Harrumpft. Personally, I spread it around and 'phooey' on those who can't appreciate it or muster up a little of their own...
Here at this forum - when I respond to the homework pleas, I give a simple, concise (well, I try) and kind answer. Over time kids will remember the most insignificant, off-the-wall events and moments (remember?), and the tone of my offering is what I want their heads filled with. We impart more by example than lecturing.

Answer 3

Reminds me of an article that was in the Daily Mail 2 days ago. A teacher wrote in, saying that many of the problems that teachers and other adults face, such as disrespect, swearing, sexual taunts, bullying and even fights are caused simply because the parents are taking all the parental rights and none of the responsibilities that come with it.
She says that in many cases parents simply believe that rules and regulations, such as school rules, are not applicable to their child and so allow them to become tyrants. She uses the example of a boy whose mother came in and shouted at her because she ASKED (not told) a boy to tuck in his shirt. In many cases the parents side with the child instead of exercising some restraint.
The other point made was that schools are increasingly becoming parents for some children- breakfast clubs, after school clubs and the proposed after-school care that the government wants, are increasingly replacing home life for some children.
The result? This particular teacher says she sees two main groups. One is the children whose parents are too tired from work to do washing, make dinner and breakfast or tell their children to do homework. They then come to school often hungry, tired and dirty and they become very withdrawn and hide thmselves. The other group is the ones where parents side with their child, and the end result is an unmannered, rude and selfish child, often unequipped to work in groups, take turns in discussion or even speak to people.
This problem seems worse in cities- the hustle and bustle of a city lifestyle seems to worsen the problems that already exist.
As for Answers, you can't just tell from a question that a child is rude or polite. You're seeing only one bit of them, and if they choose your answer as the Best Answer or rate your answer as good, then that's gratitude isn't it?

Answer 4

Hi,

I think that it has well and truly gone, in London especially. Young people don't get up and give their elders a seat, even if they are so obviously dodgy on their feet. I think that it does stem from the elders, as I've had a load of abuse from them as well. I had one old lady sit at my table without even a 'is this seat free?' and then was rude when I suggested that it would have been polite to ask me if the seat was free. She came out with so many expletives, I was really surprised.

Bring on the super nannies and send bad families to brat camp!

Just remember, bring up your children with respect.

Answer 5

I don't think it's dead, but I do think it is less valued.

It seems to me to be part of the culture of taking things for granted: like comfort, health, running water, and everything else that are 'just there'.

Unfortunately the televising of the House of Commons doesn't do much to support the notion of courtesy either.

Thank you for asking the question.

Answer 6

No. I find that most people are very polite. I had a hard job getting around London with a pushchair on my own and strangers were always lending a hand, helping me down stairs, opening doors, giving up seats and I always said thank you very much and smiled.

Answer 7

I'm afraid to say it's dead and gone.
I hold the door for people and offer my seat on the bus to the elderly or pregnant and all I get is a look as if to say i'm a freak.
It's all to do with their upbringing, i was brought up with manners and respect for others
but now it's all "show me respect or else".

Answer 8

nowadays, u need 2 pay a high price 2 hear a word of thanks...
well blame shld go 2 all parents who's been 2 bz working a living, 2d point that they 4get 2 teach their children manners

Answer 9

No, I disagree, most people, young and old are courteous, it is the "bad apples" that get noticed. Try a more positive attitude, and try doing a random act of kindness, see how polite and appreciative the recipient is.

Have a really good day, please.

Answer 10

I think it's dying in the younger generation. But if anyone's to blame for that, it's their parents / teachers and other adults who don't bother to correct them.

Answer 11

ah yes I vaguely remember courtesy