Over time, manners have found a way out of normalcy in society and have started to have a real effect. Kids are starting to be brought up in an unmannered way: disrespecting elders, stealing, and causing trouble. No “please”s, no “thank you”s, none of that anymore. It seems as though people have developed this idea that not caring is tied in with being “COOL,” When in reality, it is not.

Respect is no longer a common thing. This lack of respect is more easily found amongst teenagers, maybe it’s because no one seems to understand them or because image is everything. Either way, teenagers can be really rude. It’s not very difficult to encounter unmannered students disrespecting teachers and fellow classmates for no apparent reason. It’s easy to understand that sometimes people go through rough times but that does not justify ruining another person’s day.

Being rude has become one of the characteristics in describing American society. It could be that we, as a nation, watch television shows that glorify acts of disrespect: Bad Girls Club, Basketball Wives, Jersey Shore, and South Park. And we have come around to praising and applauding them.

A little manners has never hurt anyone but rudeness, on the other hand, sure has. Some of you may not care now but in time you’ll come to realize how important manners can be. Just remember that kindness goes a long way and you may not know it yet but the majority of a civilized society does not favor nuisances.