Are people getting nastier?

Question

Is it just me or are people getting more selfish and a lot more inconsiderate?

I currently work in retail and im getting quite worried about the way this world is going. I'm not just on about war and poverty (although that is very important) but the way people act to one another?

Everyday i see stressed, angry or quite deranged people come into my work (on their dayoff) who, quite frankly, don't give a **** who i am. They can be quite nasty at times and not only them but even some of the people i work with or even my niehbors are very petty and inconsiderate.

It seems to be accumalating every year and the difference between the rich and the poor are spreading even further away from each other.

When i was younger, it was completely different. People actually helped one another out. Niehbors would have partys and care for one another just like family. My dad came home from work with a smile on his face 90% of the time and life just seemed more graceful.

Or Is it just me

Thanks for answers.

It's nice to see some people who acknowledge this problem.

There's still hope...

And no i'm not old ;) im 22.

But i already see the change.

Answer 1

Yes, the world (at least the USA) is getting very mean spirited.

My 85 year old mother has noticed this downward trend in civility. And you poor counter jockeys get the worst of it.

Oh, and it has NOTHING TO DO WITH "RICH vrs POOR".

There are nasty people of all socio-economic stripes.

Answer 2

I understand very well where you are coming from and sadly the world has kind of changed. However I do believe that a lot depends on our family values and beliefs. Our upbringing and the culture we live in makes a big difference also. A lot of european cultures are still like that today, caring for all family members and neighbours like their own. If you live in a small village where everyone knows everyone else it is of course different to a big city life. Because of the media and all the bad stories in the media this also contributes to people having an untrustworthy outlook. Oh well, keep thinking positive is the way to make a change.

Answer 3

Good observation. I think people are definitely more selfish and manners have gone out the window for some reason. The pace of life is getting more hectic and there's a lot more stress to suceed, especially in business. I think that (in North America at least), we focus more on superficial things and less on the things that are really important...like family, being happy, enjoying life. I notice an opposite trend in Europe, for example, where it seems that there is still some common dignity and respect offered even to strangers.

Answer 4

Yes I think so, and I blame "the media." I think we are so force-spoon-fed (on the telly and in magazines) what other people have, that we come to resent not having it ourselves, even if it is outrageously unrealistic, and this makes us less pleasant. We're jealous that people no smarter and hardworking than us, nevertheless have outlandish riches and baubles we can't attain. We have a point. We just need to try to get over it. That's not easy, but watching the goggle-box less (and with some gentle cynicism) helps. Employers also have a lot to answer for, but that's another issue...

Answer 5

No, it is not just you. I feel you. I know exactly, what you are talking about. I remember, too. Back in the Days, when folks, would look out for one another. Doors stayed open, all night long, and no one bothered you. Bring, back those days, where there was plenty of good kind, hard working people. Where did all this stress, angry and outraged come from. I wish the Devil, would go away. Have a nice evening.

Answer 6

no its not just you its me too. you are right in what you say, todays society is a case of f*ck you so long as I'm alright. people nowadays are more aggressive due to stress, alcohol problems and drugs, no one wants to help because some don't give a **** and others are scared ! there was a murder of a young man in London last week where up to 20 youths jumped up and down on the young man causing his death. there were witnesses to this and no-one intervened. with so many aggressors it is easy to see why no-one helped but even when there a much fewer people are reluctant to play the hero for personal safety. community was stronger when i was a child nowadays people move on all over the place and don't stay anywhere for any length of time so consequently you don't know who you are living next door to. no-one speaks to even say hello anymore that is why we purposely moved into a street full of pensioners. community spirit is alive and well here. it seems we are all going to hell in a handcart. god bless us all xx

Answer 7

I'm probably younger than you, but I couldn't agree more. People are a lot nastier to each other, and feel quite justified being so. I tend to blame technology to an extent. Cell phones on everyones ears, keeping them completely distracted from what's going on right in front of them. The internet allows people to be anonymously nasty, thus furthering bad attitudes which will seep into their everyday lives. Constant use of tv and videos to distract and dehumanize our children. Video games which downplay violence to the point where no one seems to be at all upset watching a child 'shoot to kill' cops, rape women, and so forth for points on a score board. An end of innocence on one hand, and an end to moral decency on the other.



Edit: Sorry about the age assumption, I'm older than you. In retail you will see this more than in any other profession, I've been there too. Hang in there, and remember attitudes are contagious, try passing yours to others instead of catching theirs.

Answer 8

That's the world for you right now.I wish it was different.But,I usually say don't ask people to change,be the change you want to see in the world.
But,I know what you mean.They don't appreciate the good treat, and have attitude.I always taught that being polite is part of being educated.It doesn't matter how good looking you are,how smart or how high is your moral code,you are nothing if you are not nice.If you're not able to be nice to others to be treated well.I swear,it feels like the human heart has gone cold.

Answer 9

Many, many, many divorces get nasty. If there are no kids to fight over, and there is no money or expensive possesisions to fight over, no home no nothing, that divorce can be dealt with probably pretty easily. Anything more and usually its a nightmare. Later in life some become friends again. Its called the me me me syndrome, simply greed, revenge, and immaturity, although no matter what age, divorces are not fun. Sad isnt it?

Answer 10

No, it's not just you and yes, you are right in what you say. Values are going down the pan and service is a dirty word. We live in a very cold world where profit and maximum gain is the in word. As humans, we have simply forgotten how to care for each other, unless we get offered loads of money to do it. And people never seem to take time out to contemplate their fast and generally unhappy lives, do they? Trouble is, there is so much to covet nowadays that human values never enter the equation. I do fear for mankind and his future. And STRESS is the modern disease of our times ...... I think we all need to slow down, not worry that profits are 0.05% down on last year and invest in the human spirit for a change. When was the last time that your doctor actually looked at you and talked to you? Great question!