Manners, we don't need no manners

Common courtesy is generally supposed to make both parties feel valued. Unfortunately for me, I’ve recently noticed that being polite has only led to my own depression.

Now, don’t misunderstand, helping others does not make me sad, but rather it’s the overzealous thanks and utter surprise from strangers that brings me grief.

Anything from allowing a girl to have the last free sample at the supermarket to holding a door open for a little old lady have garnered rave reviews. It would seem that chivalry and civility are so uncommon that people feel that they must go out of their way to thank you.

The outgoing, fun-loving kids who would play with anyone on the block and say things like please and thank you have grown up to become some of the most egocentric people America has ever seen.

I’ve witnessed people rush to a closing elevator and miss it at the last minute because whoever was already on it was not courteous enough to hold the door.

I mean, who cares if that person gets to where they are going in time, right? Or what about when that random kid drops his papers at the bus stop?

I bet most have us have thought that sucks as we board the bus and go on with our day. It is unfortunate to say, but altruism is a thing of days past.

While our me-mentality is unfortunate, I can’t entirely place the blame solely on us. I mean, look at Burger King, with that wonderful slogan “Have it your way.”

Now, some of you may be thinking, sure, let’s just blame corporate America for our selfishness, what a liberal thing to do.

But what I’m actually trying to say is that industries simply fuel our underlying self-centeredness. I am the most important person to me, and companies know this.

Regardless of what people might think, the trend of egocentrism is undeniable. We can ignore it all we want, but it is there, and it is only getting worse, and unfortunately, we are the problem. Be honest with yourself for a moment and think on your day up to this point.

How many times did you pass up an opportunity to lend a courteous hand?

Or, perhaps a better question, how many times did you tell someone through your inaction, “I’m better than you?”   

­— smech@indiana.edu