When I was a child, my mother drilled into me that a thank you note was required for every gift, and taught me how to respond politely to friends and strangers alike. Though I dreaded the, "Have you written your thank you note yet?" question, her advice was well-founded and has helped me be a more civil person.
Apparently, people today are not raised the same way. Perhaps it's the advent of "e-gifts" and non-presents in the form of gift cards that have taken the charm out of the process, and turned the thank you process into a quick email or phone call. We're addicted to speed, captured by the idea of buying what we want instead of receiving what someone carefully purchased for us -- whether we like it or not. "Regifting" will soon appear in the dictionary, if it hasn't already, turning a previously shocking practice into common usage.
The death of civility shows its face most clearly in internet posts, many in response to news stories. If you don't scroll down past the end of the story these days, you miss a lot. The Comment sections give people the opportunity to respond to the news. Unfortunately, while a few may have thoughtful comments, most comment lists quickly degenerate from commenting on the news to commenting on those commenting on the news. A free-for-all then ensues, complete with character assassination and foul language hidden behind "special characters" or dashes.
Gone is true public discourse, reasoned opinions, rational ideas, counter suggestions. Today belongs to the poster who shouts loudest and says the most inflammatory thing to stir the pot.
Does "Debate Club" even exist in schools any more?
I really miss honest discussion and civil discourse. Challenge my brain, not my integrity, upbringing, or heritage, OK?
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