Rudeness Permeates Society, Reflecting a Decline in Manners
Incidents ranging from a man biking into a bank to public disrespect highlight a growing lack of civility.
A noticeable increase in rudeness and a decline in public manners are becoming pervasive issues, with recent incidents illustrating a broader societal shift. This trend is observed in everyday interactions, from public transit to professional settings, suggesting a departure from established norms of etiquette.
One striking example cited is a man riding a bicycle into a Chase bank branch in New York City's East Village. The incident, captured in an image, symbolizes the erosion of expected behavior in public spaces. The notes also recount an encounter where an attorney was verbally assaulted by a younger woman for stepping back to allow her to enter an elevator first, with the woman asserting equality and dismissing his courtesy as outdated.
Experts are reportedly perplexed by the root causes of this perceived increase in aggressive and impolite behavior. Potential factors discussed include stress, burnout, impatience, economic pressures, and a lack of broader social connections. Historically, etiquette guides like Emily Post's, first published in 1922, provided frameworks for polite conduct. However, the article suggests these resources are now seldom consulted or applied.
The commentary draws a parallel between the perceived decline in personal conduct and broader societal changes. It questions the impact of technological advancements, such as self-driving cars and autonomous aircraft, alongside issues like crumbling infrastructure, contaminated food, and a perceived rise in dishonesty. The author questions whether these factors contribute to a general sense of disorder and a loss of respect.
While the notes suggest the pandemic may have exacerbated some of these issues, the article does not offer a definitive causal link. Instead, it presents a collection of observations and anecdotal evidence to highlight a widespread feeling that civility is diminishing, leading to a less considerate and more chaotic public environment.