TwoCents | Is It Just Me, Or Have People Become Increasingly Rude?

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend these days: people seem to be becoming increasingly rude. Sotey, simple courtesies like responding to messages, answering/returning calls, or expressing gratitude have become a struggle for some folks. At first I thought it wasn’t a big deal and would shrug it off, until even people I expected to know and do better were just as uncouth. As someone who was raised to value the three essential words of good manners or what I like to call the three cardinal/magical words in English language: 'Please,' 'Sorry,' and 'Thank you,’ it is disheartening to see that many adults lack basic courtesy and would rather shit bricks than use any of the aforementioned words.It's concerning that this superficiality pervades our interactions. Folk have become so self-centered, materialistic and egotistical and are only polite when there’s perceived benefit to be gained from interacting with you. While having value is essential, it's alarming how some people cannot connect with others without ulterior motives.It’s so bad that I’ve become skeptical of overly friendly people, me who has always kept a small circle. Now the circle has become a speck. I’m so cynical of people in general these days, because to see somebody who still has values and is as well grounded as me is rare. If you come close to me now, i have to evaluate and reevaluate you and your motives very very well, because i automatically wonder what it is you want from me. Now what I find even more unsettling is the knowledge these mannerless adults are raising kids. I fear for future generations and how badly influenced by this noncommittal approach to life and people, they are in danger of experiencing. I also wonder, is it the economy driving this superficiality, or have people always been this way? I'm unsure, but it's clear that basic manners and genuine connections are dwindling especially with the introduction of social media. It’s as if people are forgetting how to be human the more they stay online. In summary, this decline in courtesy and genuine interactions, increase in superficiality, and lack of empathy is a cause for alarm and I genuinely worry for where we would all be in say - the next five years.  Make una sha raise una children well o, so when I finally decide to bring kids into this wicked world, my pikin dem go see better friends to make.

Other insights from Belinda Chiazor