What has happened to courtesy, manners and simple respect?

Question

I work in a capital city and when I drive home, anywhere between 5 & 6.30 at night, the traffic is just horrible. I let other drivers in when they indicate a change of lanes and do I get a "thank you" wave? No. If you don't let them in they'll just push their way in anyway. I work in retail and people are just so rude and demanding. I know a lot of people are "in a rush". But why is their lack of planning my fault? I may just work in a shop but I too deserve simple courtesy and respect. I am always friendly and as helpful as possible but rarely do I get a thank you. What has happened to the world? Why are manners so rare?

Thank you all very much for your input. Hope you have a great day!

Hi Korey,
I should let you know that I live in Australia.
JCG

Answer 1

I agree with you - lack of manners nowadays seems to be the norm.

1. Hollywood (tv, movies, video games) has been part of the culprit. They depict bad behaviour as normal.
2. Parents have not raised their children with good manners.
3. Teachers at school no longer have the "correcting rights" of children that they did eons ago.

I love old movies and tv shows because they depict an era of good manners and etiquette. Even the brat Eddie Haskal (Leave It to Beaver) was polite and nice to his elders.

My son was raised with good manners and now he is in college and chooses his friends wisely (birds of a feather flock together). His friends all practice good etiquette. Parents must instill etiquette in the children while they are young. It has nothing to do with money - you can have alot of class and good manners regardless of the amount of money you have in the bank.

Sadly, I think society as a whole in general, is becoming depraved, irresponsible, and lacking consideration for other people. It is all about "me" and what can someone do for "me". Depraved, selfish, and greedy is now the new standard.

Answer 2

I spent most of my life in the big city too, hated it! Just like you, I have manners, and respect for others, I'm in no hurry to get somewhere where I can't stop for an old guy crossing the street. I now live in the country, and let me tell you, people offer you their spot in line at the grocers if you have one item and they have a cart... sometimes two or three different people let you go ahead. Blinkers are almost always used, and if you wave someone on, they smile and wave back at ya.
I've never been so happy, and in such a relaxed atmosphere almost all the time.

Answer 3

You'll end up sad and bitter if you expect gratitude for your good deeds. Actually no good deed goes unpunished.

You are correct in the assumption that manners are becoming more rare. As people have more freedom, they feel less controlled by customs and traditions; and the world becomes more competitive people lose track of the niceties.

Maintain them yourself, instill them in your children, that's about all you can do, but if you judge others, you will be the one who loses.

I can't do it, but I know I should.

Answer 4

and what's so funny about peace, love, and understanding?

for real though, i think it may have something to do with america's very strong work ethic, expectations of great "success" for every individual, and insistence on pursuit of happiness instead of pursuit of a full human experience and contentment. these social expectations create a great societal anxiety, and we tend to view others not as friends/fellows, but as obstacles to some unattainable standard. the pressure builds up and we take it out on everyone in our day to day lives.

if it gets overwhelming, take a trip to somewhere where life is slower-paced and where leisure is valued. people are likely to be more friendly as well.

Answer 5

I've noticed this too. It's how you're brought up i suppose.
My parents brought me up to always say "please" "thankyou" and to always hold the door for people and open it for others.
I know what it was like to work at a shop and more customers abuse you rather then thank you...
So yeah...im guessing most people are becomming more and more arrogant these days, parents should really knuckle down and teach their kids manners, and as for the adults...pfft well they're still kids on the inside.

Answer 6

I sympathise with you JCG. I regularly catch trains and buses and can't believe how rude some people are. What happened to "do unto others as we would have them do unto us"?

Anyway, keep being the great person that you are and I hope you have a good weekend.

Answer 7

Don't give up, girl. I'm a believer in "what goes around, comes around" and you're doing good. Let those punks get what's coming to them...it all adds up. I know what you mean though..I'm a nurse and I interact with rude people everyday. It's hard to believe that the simple yet valuable "please" and "thank you" is damn near extinct.

It sucks.

Answer 8

You are right and I can't figure out how those people sleep with themselves-to me manners are all about self respect.

Answer 9

You are so right, I always give a big wave if someone is nice enough to let me in!

Answer 10

People haven't been taught at home so when they are in public they act accordingly. We should attempt to be courteous anyway though, you never know it may be contagious.