Over the last 50 years, we have all witnessed staggering changes in our society. Some of these changes have been very positive, others not so, and technology certainly has contributed to the volume of change, and the speed of change, that we have observed. If we are to benefit from all the positive changes, then I guess we have to endure the negative ones, but there’s one negative change that is really, really hard to accept. The negative I’m speaking of is the total breakdown of our society’s rules regarding politeness, courtesy, manners, patience and respect for others. I could give you hundreds of examples, but a few should highlight what I’m talking about:
1. Drive Highway 2 from Edmonton to Calgary, and it is a guarantee you will be tailgated on numerous stretches of the roadway. And by tailgating, I’m not talking about a few vehicles getting too close to be of concern, I’m talking about maniacs who only need a few more inches to be in your back seat. In October, I survived what I think must have been the goofiest tailgating in history. I was obeying the speed limit and travelling in the right lane (the lane reserved for slower traffic), when a mental giant began tailgating me in the slow lane! I kept asking myself, “Where does he want me to go?” As Charlie Brown was known to say, “Good Grief.”
2. Another example also deals with drivers and driving. Lately, I’ve noticed that drivers who want to change into the lane I’m driving in will do so, regardless of the fact that I’m already in that lane. Even worse, they not only move into the same lane, they move into the position I’m currently occupying! The only thing that prevents a crash is my reaction to hit the brakes and swerve out of the way. As an interesting aside, I’m of the opinion that drivers wanting to switch lanes never cut in behind me, it’s always in front of me, regardless of my position, road conditions, or any other factor as well.
3. While driving certainly unleashes the “animal” in so many people, it’s not the only culprit in the breakdown of our courtesy, patience, and respect. Another example deals with the overall communication process, especially when it comes to cellphones and emails. When you have a moment, sit back and observe conversations occurring near you, and what happens when one of the participants gets a phone call. The conversation stops, period, and the receiver of the call basically rambles on for as long as they please, leaving the person they were talking to “out in the cold.” Of course, when the other person gets a call, the same thing happens. Or, sit down at someone’s desk and begin a discussion, then notice what happens when the person’s computer indicates an email has just been received. Again, the participants in the discussion are ignored, while the email receiver rushes to send an email reply.
4. Finally, some of the saddest examples of this breakdown occur in offices across this nation, where young and new employees, lacking any training in manners, courtesy, or respect, blunder into one social disaster after another. The range of errors is huge: interrupting speakers, barging into private meetings, feet being put on desks and other furniture, bellowing as they walk through the office and making it impossible for others to keep working, using office materials and supplies and leaving a total mess behind them, with no thought of cleaning up after themselves, and so on and so forth.
This breakdown in manners, courtesy and respect is so sad to watch, and when it comes to drivers, it’s also dangerous to watch. Perhaps we all need to slow down a bit, and treat others like we would like to be treated (hmm, does that sound oddly familiar to you?).
Brian McLeod is a St. Albert resident.
