Some of us are naturally people oriented, quintessential examples of the social butterfly. While others tend to be anti-social, cynical, and just generally detached from the rest of society. While most of us fall somewhere between these two extremes, the winds of social change appear to have been blowing towards the latter example in recent decades. The overall tone of the modern social structure seems much colder and less personable then it had as recently as a generation or two ago.
Perhaps this social trend is a by product of the culmination of our societies rapid evolution and ever changing lifestyles. Does this “we want it now” instant gratification, cultural quagmire we live in also shape our social values as well. In today’s world one doesn’t even have to leave their home to meet hundreds of people from almost any culture. The Internet age has blown open social possibilities that were completely unfathomable just a few decades ago. However the Internet age also allows us to simply turn those with whom we communicate off as we please, as if the people themselves were appliances.
The prevalence of manners and common courtesies replacement with self-interest, disinterest, and utter lack of empathy is becoming more and more apparent. When was the last time that you took the time to hold a door for a total stranger while at a restaurant or store? You know the scenario where you notice the mother with an armload of purchases and two little ones in tow, heading towards the door with no convenient way to open it. Do you wait for her and hold the door, or door you say to yourself, “Someone will”. So perhaps you would hold the door in that case. But do you hold each door you walk through for that stranger entering behind you, or do you only aid the more obvious candidates? When was the last time you carried groceries for an elderly person, or reached something on that high shelf for the vertically challenged? But just as importantly, if you offered, would they accept your assistance?
“Don’t talk to strangers” is more then just a slogan for children anymore, it seems to apply to adults as well. I often find myself waving to or greeting total strangers I pass on the street or encounter in the store. Almost as often, I receive a wary look in return. Sometimes their reactions to my friendly greetings resemble the expression of a hypochondriac who has just encountered a person stricken with leprosy. All that remains for them to do is scream and run franticly away from me.
While it is true that the world can be a dark and sinister place at times, and that you really have no way of knowing if that guy with his hood up alongside the road is a serial killer. It is still possible and usually not particularly difficult to convey traditional common courtesies upon others without putting yourself in jeopardy. Common sense tells us not to stop along a dark, deserted highway at midnight to aid a motorist with their hood up. But In this age of cellular convenience, we could put that technology to good use and give a call to the highway patrol or sheriffs department and ask them check on the motorist. This action conveys courtesy without subjecting oneself to a potentially dangerous situation. But, unfortunately the vast majority of people drive on by with little more then a passing thought, if that, and continue on their merry way.
