With the range of diverse opinions and social commentary surrounding us these days – whether we overhear it in the supermarket, read it on social media or participate in an exchange ourselves when making small talk – I can’t help but scratch my head, asking myself when we grew so ugly as a society?
Raised by generations that discouraged speaking publicly about religion or politics while Archie Bunker – the most politically incorrect of all – bellowed from living rooms everywhere, there was a time when civil proclivity, common courtesy and respect for one’s fellow (wo)man were the norm. Manners were considered commonplace and not airing one’s dirty laundry – whether your own or the opinions you held about others – was the standard.
Yes, so much ugly. I’m sorry to say I sometimes include myself in those actions but I am trying not to.
Thank you for the reminder. Sometimes that is all we need.
We are all guilty at one time or another – myself included! It’s human nature and reminding each other always helps. Thank you for reading and commenting!
I believe “ugly “ has been around about 60 years…It’s slow growth is what seduced us into thinking all was well.We did not notice when we were informed “your rights end at the tip of my nose” as a consequence people began getting up in our face , with no consequences. We backed up not wanting a confrontation, we gave them ground and they took it ,easily, this continued until we realized they had backed us into a corner..now of course we cannot back up any more and they still want to get up in our face,you either come out fighting or wither in the corner… intimidation! We have had enough! Of course it gets ugly. We no longer want to be intimidated and they hate to lose because they really do believe everyone gets a trophy!
Thank you for making the time to read and comment!
Erin, I totally identified with your thoughts on this subject, I am becoming less interested in any exchange of my personal thoughts on most of what is going on in the world today. I am finding that almost all conversations with any person, other than close friends and family, is usually going to end up in ugliness when we have different points of view. I agree we need to look at why we participate in the ugliness which for me at first was a thrill and quickly died because I realized it is just not right to attack. Defense ok. Just my thought.
John, it’s so sad that many of us feel that we can no longer share our thoughts and views without some kind of personal attack. As I follow along on social media it seems to be getting worse and worse each day, with many having negative reactions or accusing others of being on the wrong side. We’ve lost our ability to exchange ideas and it now seems that people are dictating how others should feel and what they should believe. It’s a darned shame and I hope that we can work our way back to some decency and civility.
Thank you for making the time to read and comment! I hope to see more of these posts from readers.
Erin it was a pleasure to find you on this blog/website, and to be able to read your posts I am a follower now for sure. Say hi to Jerry.
PEACE John H.
I’m so glad you’re here! Thank you for following. Jerry sends his hello your way. Stay well!