Etiquette counts! At least to those over fifty! We grew up in a time when manners and good behavior were considered most important. Today, it is almost an anomaly to find many young people who show good manners in public…much less in everyday interactions with their family and friends. Am I exaggerating? I do not believe so. Let me list some of the sights I see every day among young people.
Opening and holding open doors for others is no longer the norm. Even adults will shove ahead of others…and pass through without any kind of gesture or thanks.
Talking in full voice while someone else is speaking…drowning out the original speaker is a common practice, as is raising your hand while someone is still speaking. Holding up that hand for attention during a speech the entire time is also a practice among students and some adults.
Taking turns is almost unheard of anymore. Some people even break into a full run to be first in line…no matter what the line is for or where it may lead.
“Finder’s keepers” is rampant…even when the finder knows full well who dropped or misplaced the article found.
Trash cans are almost unnecessary because people throw their trash anywhere but in the cans…or most often just leave all trash on the ground, floor, etc. where they were.
Today’s students “love” to play with toys, games, etc. by seeing how many ways they can break them…and how quickly it can be done.
Now I am sure most readers will say this is just not so. I beg to differ with you. I witness these things and many more every day. I have not even mentioned the use of four-letter words, name calling, and arguing with those in authority. Perhaps these are some of the reasons teachers are leaving the profession in droves. Regardless, our society is not passing on the tenets of etiquette.
I would encourage everyone to read the “12 Rules to Help You Raise a Juvenile Delinquent” which the Houston Police Department compiled from their reports over years. You can find it on the Internet. I see parents (and grandparents) allowing these things to happen every day with many of our children. Perhaps if we could get this message out to them, we would see more etiquette and manners being practiced. And, if that were to happen, perhaps the end result would be less violence in our country! Kay