To The Reader’s Forum:

I’m sure you’ve noticed that manners are disappearing rapidly from our society. Once upon a time, Americans were stalwart supporters of social civilities, but those days have gone the way of the Edsel.

When I made transactions in retail stores during the 1960s, cashiers always said “Thank you, and please come back again”. Those words were traditional and expected, and if clerks didn’t communicate that way, a red flag went up immediately. Employees in stores today have either forgotten, or never learned the etiquette that’s essential with doing business. I haven’t heard the words “Thank you” in retail stores in years, nor do I expect I ever will again. Our language has declined immeasurably, and we now live in a nation of troglodytes who communicate by scratching and grunting in public places.

On any given day, I see grown men wearing their hats indoors. And some stoop so low as to do that in restaurants while they’re dining. Before I was five years old, I was taught that gentlemen don’t behave that way, especially in the presence of women. It’s a new day in which the goal seems to be “Who can be the most offensive before sunrise?”

Children who were never taught manners by their parents wait until high school to enroll in after-school classes called “Etiquette” or “Social Skills”. Better late than never I suppose, but by then, they’ve offended so many people with their odious conduct, it really doesn’t matter anymore.

We’ve reached a point of no return, and now, the clock is turning backward. If you’re a boorish, vulgar pig, our culture will put you on a pedestal and you’ll be a model for the next generation. Hell, you could probably have your own TV show along with all the other dimwits on daytime television. But if you’re one of the few who still respect decency, you’ll be slung onto the trash heap of history and forgotten.

Our nation is in a state of decline that knows no boundaries, and soon, we’ll be re-entering a time long before The Dark Ages.

Craig Malmrose

North Carolina

Formerly of Bemus Point