The Decline of Common Courtesy: Blame Technology or Political Rhetoric?

Amid the ongoing debate about the erosion of common courtesy in society, it is clear that many sectors of real life have indeed experienced a significant shift. To certain individuals with entitlement issues, it seems as though common courtesy is non-existent. However, for the majority, it is still a practice that, if thought about, would be employed. There are those who are striving to bring it back one person at a time, emphasizing the adage, ldquo;You get what you give.rdquo;

The Role of Technology

Interestingly, some argue that the decline of common courtesy dates back to before the widespread adoption of technology. I moved to this country in 1996 during election season, and I was shocked at the levels of false accusations, innuendo, half-truths, and outright lies that were being propagated about political opponents. It appeared that no one thought twice about these claims, and technology only hastened their spread, rendering fact-checking a rare activity.

The Influence of Political Climate

Another perspective to consider is the impact of the current political climate on common courtesy. For four years, we had a president who was extremely rude and hate-driven. His presence created a rift in our social fabric, and he gave permission for those with hatred and racist views to openly and proudly display such views, with the idea that no opinion was more important than another. Intolerance became the norm rather than the exception.

In essence, common courtesy was never lost; rather, it was overshadowed by the relentless spread of negativity and divisiveness. While it is true that some individuals still adhere to this social norm, we are increasingly becoming a society where the ldquo;us versus themrdquo; mentality prevails, and both sides are guilty of this behavior. Will we continue to slide down this path? Sadly, I believe we will until we return to a place of personal accountability and demand that those we look to for guidance and justice are held accountable, and honor the system of checks and balances that we once followed.

Personal Observations

Based on my observations, technology has indeed transformed the way we socialize. Everyone, even small children, has a smartphone, and interpersonal communication is often conducted through texting or social media. In group settings, people are more likely to communicate with absent individuals or engage in side conversations, rather than focusing on the present interaction.

Additionally, the current political climate, characterized by a hate-driven rhetoric, has contributed to a culture where common courtesy is seen as a sign of weakness. However, this is a result of a critical few who set the tone for our society, and the majority still believe in and practice common courtesy.

Conclusion

The decline of common courtesy is a complex issue with multifaceted causes. While technology has certainly played a role, the political climate has created an environment that stripping away these social norms. Moving forward, we must hold our leaders accountable and return to a system of checks and balances to ensure that common courtesy and good manners are once again the norm in our society.