Conduct an internet search for "rudest generation" and you will find reports of a study about the way 18- to 34-year-olds treat other people. Generally, the study reveals that this age group is 23% less likely to carry out common courtesies. More specifically, we can note the differences in people over 55 and the 18- to 34-year-olds:
THE DEATH OF MANNERS: TOP COURTESIES IN DECLINE
% difference between over-55s and 18 to 34-year-olds carrying out courtesies
1. Tipping the milkman at Christmas – 42%
2. Tipping the hairdresser – 37%
3. Tipping the postman at Christmas – 36%
4. Making a tradesman a cup of a tea – 34%
5. Saying hello to the neighbors – 21 per cent
6. Offering visitors to your home a cup of tea and a biscuit – 20%
7. Opening the door for a woman or the elderly – 18%
8. Giving up a seat for a pregnant woman on public transport – 17%
Of course, these are just a sample of the study results. I can't say I do all of these things myself, but the study does indicate a decline in kindness from one generation to the next. I am a little baffled that my age group is in between the two shown, and I wonder if those numbers would fall in between the two generations that have been contrasted here.
Does this reveal a decline in society? Are there implications for the under 18's?
Are schools to blame? Parents? Churches?
How have advances in the media's reporting procedures? Advances in technology?
Is anyone paying attention to anyone else? Or are we too wrapped up in our own cell phones and facebook accounts to care?
Finally, where do we go from here? Is there a solution?
Does this reveal a decline in society? Are there implications for the under 18's?
Are schools to blame? Parents? Churches?
How have advances in the media's reporting procedures? Advances in technology?
Is anyone paying attention to anyone else? Or are we too wrapped up in our own cell phones and facebook accounts to care?
Finally, where do we go from here? Is there a solution?
