I have to admit that even I think that a young child just learning to eat solid food is something that I consider adorable. Even into ages 2-3 children still possess a certain charm that makes their misbehavior seem enchanting and their rudeness bring chuckles from those around them.
During these young ages it is the most important time to begin teaching them right from wrong.
So why do more and more children reach their teenage years with a minimal knowledge of which manners are acceptable and which are not? Why is it important in some families or communities to insure that their children are well mannered and polite, while others let their children learn from outside influences such as "The Simpsons", and "The Family Guy", which most would agree teach substandard behavior and manners? When is it no longer considered cute, but rude and disrespectful instead?
What are the differences between these two groups? Is it religion, education, wealth? Or is it that society today has such a low expectations of youth that taking the time to learn and live by high standards of etiquette seems like a complete waste of time to many people?
I think that good and bad etiquette can spread like a plague. Though obviously there is more tendency toward bad etiquette.
ReplyDeleteAll it takes is one person to disrespect another before that person doesn't feel like showing respect anymore and then they disrespect others and make them feel the same.
A similar phenomenon can happen when people show respect to each other. When you feel respected it's more likely that you'll show respect.
Psychologists have studied how the mood of one person can affect people they don't even know. Etiquette can probably do the same.
I agree completely. And it's because of this attitude that our behaviors and manners continue to get worse in some areas while in others they stay pretty level.
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