Is Etiquette going Extinct?

The new generations are beginning to scare me. I recall when I was in a store and heard a child giving their mother shit, like literally telling their own mother that she was a bitch for not getting the child the toy they wanted. Now I know what you may be thinking, “But Morrigan, you don’t know their story.” Of course I don’t, I’m the last person to judge anyone for anything, but this judgement in particular is not aimed to one individual, but to the general future population.

I had witnessed another moment where an elderly lady was coming onto the bus, and clearly needed a place to sit, I was already standing, and this girl whom I can only guess was a few years younger than I. The girl just looks away from the old lady, even after the lady smiled at her, the young girl refused to give up her seat for this old lady. Finally, another man had stood and given her his seat, giving a glare at the girl while walking past her. Ok with this scenario, perhaps the girl wasn’t paying attention and didn’t notice the old lady, however I find that complete bullocks considering they had met eyes and that’s when the girl turned her head away in a snap to avoid facing a simple gesture of courtesy.

These are just 2 examples of what I witness on almost the daily. It seems that being nice for the sake of just being nice is something the younger generation refuses to conduct, unless they are getting praised and recognition for their good “deeds.”

Although, now I see people doing something nice, more and more people are getting confused with proper etiquette and kindness by making it their personal goal to be recognized by using their camera. Looking into the damn lenses and saying “Look what I’m doing. I’m being a good person.” No, no you’re not, you’re being an egotistical little shit that wants hits on your damn video, (I say this to the ones who do, not to all people who film all acts of kindness) Ok, I may have lost my cool a little there, but it’s frustrating that many people in the world just refuse to do good, without any expectations of reward in return. Most of the younger generation want rewards for just blinking for goodness sake.

There are a few simple things that make a person more etiquette, I had just finished a book called “Style, The Modern Lady’s Guide to Elegance and Charm,” a very well illustration by Eliza Chamber, of what it means to be and practice a person who can show anyone that they are in the good mannerism. Even though most would be recognized for their mistakes and ill mannerism, it’s unfortunate that we have become a society where being an as hole is praised and yet those who have a level head and good manners is looked over, simply because the asshole has the louder mouth.

With that said, being an example of what etiquette can bring to society is what many should bring back in focus, from young ages to old, it may not get you everything in life, how it will keep you in high regards from your family, friends, peers to even work colleagues and employers. Let's not pretend that being lazy and inconsiderate is the way of how our communities grow. You can only be respected once you show respect to others.