Our
View: Respect, courtesy need great
revival
With
the recent hype about a lack of customer
service, one cannot help but consider
the recent decline in public courtesy.
Respect and courtesy were once fundamental
concepts continually reinforced by society.
It seems absurd that today, in the era of quick fixes and fast-paced living,
people once actually addressed each other by their surnames. Indiscretions
like spitting in public or scratching were considered extremely taboo in a
more conservative society.
The days of general consideration and courtesy for others have long since become
a thing of the past. People have begun to disregard others as unimportant or
irrelevant obstacles that stand between them and their destination. This view
is too self-centered.
One of the most noticeable etiquette faux pas that has become extremely common
is using a cell phone when it is inappropriate or inconsiderate. People have
become consumed with these convenient little devices in gyms, restaurants and
libraries.
It is not terribly uncommon to hear long-winded conversations on the gym’s
treadmill or cycle, much to the annoyance of fellow exercise neighbors. Nor
is it terribly hard to see cell phone addicts talking in a restaurant while
the waiter holds in the anger impatiently to take some cheeseburger order.
Even worse, some have decided the so-called quiet zone in the library is the
new place to discuss out of control weekend keggers over the phone.
Although cell phones can often provide people with an essential and even life-saving
service, these doodads too often serve a frivolous purpose and are extremely
inconsiderate toward those around you who may not want to know where you ate
last night or how attractive your lab partner is.
As a general rule, cell phones should not be used anywhere people are trying
to talk, concentrate or are required to interact with someone else. It also
is extremely inconsiderate and disrespectful to use a cell phone when you are
with someone else or interrupting an ongoing conversation to answer a call.
A brief message or quick hello is acceptable, but brevity is key. Long conversations
while on the phone can be offensive to those surrounding you.
Using offensive four letter words in public is something that has become extremely
pervasive. Swearing while in the presence of strangers is both disrespectful
and inconsiderate of other people’s beliefs.
Often cussing is unavoidable. In the heat of the moment, a four-letter word
expresses the passionate anger or frustration you might be experiencing, but
it is important you remain aware and considerate toward those around you.
Assess your audience. If children, elderly or religious people, like pastors
or rabbis, are present it should be assumed that curse words should be kept
to a minimum.
Curse words are crass and are often associated with a poor education. Those
who do not have a sophisticated mastery of the English language often substitute
elaborate, specific words with curse words. This is not to say, however, that
all people who curse are uneducated. By limiting the use of these impolite
words you only stand to gain the respect of those around you.
Another common courtesy that has become a thing of the past is being kind to
strangers. Things like opening the door for someone else and smiling at servers
have gone the way of the dodo bird — extinct.
Often, people disregard the notion of respect and even civility and become
hostile with strangers over minor inconveniences. No cheese on that cheeseburger?
No big deal. Caffeinated instead of de-caffeinated? Easy switch.
There is no need for rude behavior.
Forgiving small transgressions is becoming rare. Pushy, overly aggressive behavior
is both acceptable and even lauded in some social circles.
It is important for people to understand the boundary between assertive, forceful
actions and blatantly rude, inconsiderate comments. Although it can be noble
and admirable to voice an opinion even when others disagree, respecting the
opinions of others and using discretion when dissenting from what other people
think is essential to maintaining a considerate, kind society.
Understandably, we all have cantankerous moments where we forget our actions
and lose control. Such outbursts may be offensive or hurtful toward others,
but it is imperative we show other people the respect they deserve. Not only
will these actions benefit other people, but we will benefit as well.
Often people working in retail shops or even people you meet on the street
will reciprocate your kindness and be more helpful. As the old adage goes “you
win more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
It is paramount in creating a more compassionate society that the ideals of
respect and consideration for others regain their status as virtues everyone
aspires to reflect in their actions.
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