I’ve had it!
It is not like me to rant and rave, but honestly, our ability to behave in civil ways is on the decline. It may even be so far down the priority list that it may never truly return.
Civility is in freefall. Where a handshake and a smile were once standard, they now feel like relics, overshadowed by a culture that seems to prize instant gratification and public outrage over common courtesy.
I’m sick of people taking sides in an argument when they lack the basic facts. I’m tired of the race card, the trans card and the gender inequality protests – heck, even the age discrimination game.
Enough already!
From nasty online posts about trivial delays to angry honking over minor inconveniences, we’ve become a society that seems to reward rudeness. Social media thrives on it, click-bait headlines amplify it, and reality TV practically glorifies it. But at what cost?
Once, people could disagree with decorum. Now, a different opinion often becomes an all-out brawl laced with insults and finger-pointing. Shouting has somehow become synonymous with being “right.” Meanwhile, in customer service, a small error – an out-of-stock item or a delayed order – now becomes an excuse for full-on verbal assaults, often directed at employees who have no say over these policies. Common courtesy has gone from being the norm to an afterthought.
And then there’s the public venting: viral rants where customers berate workers, neighbours, or even strangers, their anger eagerly captured and spread across the internet. Constructive conversations are rare; only anger and accusations now seem to grab the world’s attention.
Why has rudeness become so mainstream? It could be our digital age, where we’re shielded by screens and usernames, removed from the face-to-face accountability that once encouraged politeness. Behind the mask of anonymity, we hurl insults and opinions without considering the impact on real people. And, increasingly, this online behavior seeps into our daily lives.
It’s affecting younger generations, too. Kids and teens witness adults modelling hostility, and what message does that send? If we don’t address this, respect and kindness could become relics of a past era.
Where do we go from here? A reset begins with holding ourselves to higher standards – in person, online, everywhere. Imagine pausing before reacting, choosing kindness over a cutting remark. Imagine granting others the benefit of the doubt instead of assuming the worst. Imagine if we put more effort into respect, even when others don’t.
We can set the tone, whether or not others follow. Let’s highlight acts of kindness and civil disagreement. Let’s make courtesy the expectation, not the exception.
What if we started calling out disruptive behaviour in real time but with composure? A gentle reminder of respect – “Hey, let’s not shout at the barista; they’re doing their best.” Little shifts in tone can make a big difference. If each of us practiced this subtle correction, it might inspire others to follow. We can choose to praise politeness publicly just as we critique rudeness. Positive reinforcement of good behaviour is as powerful as calling out the bad.
Imagine if businesses celebrated acts of kindness by posting them alongside customer reviews or spotlighting workers who consistently deliver exceptional service with a smile. Schools, workplaces, and public spaces could introduce initiatives promoting respectful communication, reframing politeness as a strength rather than an option. There’s a world of possibilities when we commit to respect over resentment.
Rudeness may be everywhere, but it’s not beyond repair. Let’s start with the small choices and cultivate a culture where mutual respect thrives. Isn’t it time to make civility cool again?
Faith Wood is a professional speaker, author, and certified professional behaviour analyst. Before her career in speaking and writing, she served in law enforcement, which gave her a unique perspective on human behaviour and motivations. Faith is also known for her work as a novelist, with a focus on thrillers and suspense. Her background in law enforcement and understanding of human behaviour often play a significant role in her writing.
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