The Death of Common Courtesy

A rant …..

The Death of Common Courtesy

No doors held open anymore

Even between free world countries

No calm and quiet waiting lines

For sharing has been abandoned

No proclamations of indignation

As no one has concern for others

No place for passion any longer

For selflessness is today’s order

No safe places for the righteous

Just blocks of soundproof dwellings

No truths allowed displayed in papers

Just official propaganda pamphlets

No way to bring up new generations

Brainwashed with controlled agendas’

No chance for change if left to fester

Awaiting the death of common courtesy

No choice except to rise up and fight

Will you get to your feet and join me?

Copyright @ Phillozofee 2018

Reviews

[Davidgeo]

It's a very insightful poem that makes a person think about the social landscape.

I blame social media for some of it. It's conducive to outrage culture and shaming with little to no accountability. I blame the 24 hour "news" cycle for some it. Most of the time it's identity politics and outrage culture soundbites vilifying the 'other' for ratings because unfortunately polarizing controversy sells ad space more than anything else.

Some people just have fun with it, some people make a living off it, and the worst people let it poison their entire disposition and carry it over to real life interactions. I think what was once a not so loud minority of angry people has turned into an extremely loud minority of angry people.

Being too connected is a problem now... people want to share something interesting and get that little serotonin hit from those views, likes and attention from friends, family and strangers alike who in turn do the same thing. And much like the "news" channels, controversy and drama gets more attention than anything. It's like a feedback loop of ever increasing bullshit.

An old football coach named Lou Holtz once said "don't tell your problems to people. 80% don't care and 20% will be glad you have them".

I think the best way to fight it is to ignore it and just not engage with people like that online or in real life (of which I am one of the "do it for fun online" kind; yes, I am aware of my hypocrisy in this moment). If you "rise up and fight" you will actually be contributing to the problem, but if you just roll your eyes and ignore, they have nothing ('don't feed the trolls'). There's still common courtesy in the world, I don't really think it's dying. And I think there is more freedom and equality now in the real world than at any other point in history, but giving everyone a voice has some collateral effects while the internet allows that ever present contingent of discourteous folks to over represent themselves and make it seem like there is nothing but angry, hate filled jerks out there.

[Crowley]

Always. Common courtesy is one of those things that makes everyone feel better about the world they live in, and it is so easy. All I have to say is lets do it!!!! I am on Board!

[Eiram]

Yeah I agree to @demers david.Social media is a good and bad thing to have that affect people's lives.people not only can share beautiful moments but also you can meet rude people.not all people in social media are friendly some are fake or what they called dummy account that only wanted is to share fake news or corrupt people's mind.So if we are not careful in choosing a right one to believe in,then we will become rude to other's unintenionally.

[BrittZurg]

love love love !! Also, so very sadly true in the world today. Wonderful initiation for conversation! You have a lovely and observant mind!

-Britt

[Chris Shaw]

Treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself. I keep that close by. At school we were taught the importance of manners. My primary school motto was "Manners Maketh Man". What happened? Well it's not entirely to blame, but social media has played it's part. Where you can say anything you like and get away with it, in the disguise of a fake avatar. Do that enough and it travels to the real world too. My husband offered his seat on the bus to a young woman the other day, and she effectively told him to get stuffed! Can you believe it? Good topical subject matter, you have here Phill.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Saying 'please', saying 'thank you', saying 'may I' is a reflection of what innocent children were taught once upon a past. Trouble is adulthood grabs them into its don't care a damn arms, and life becomes an icy cold single path instead of a warm, well lit avenue of caring.

Whilst i could rant about today's atrocious and often hurtful manners.. won't waste energy but add: . be true to self, be kind, do unto.. walk where, how.. choice matters. And, remember: when being nasty about something, somewhere and of course, someone - it will probably be your turn next!!!

[sette]

hi phil this is one poem described to be poignant i have been fighting a long battle and there are times i am feeling too tired and way over my head but then that is the beauty in this world, there is the challenge to behold and look where it leads us. nice inspiring poem that is

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

So true and a very sad way to live. The title and first two lines of this poem are especially brilliant. How did things get this bad- the bar persistently lowered and lowered until we are in danger of acting like grunting, clubbing Neanderthals. “...new generations brainwashed with controlled agendas”- yes. Great poem Phill and I will certainly stand with you proudly.

[Ms Paragon]

Great message and I liked the open invitation - reminder in the end that we shoulg get up and do something to change things. Well done!

[Onlyme]

So very true. Your statement For selflessness is today’s order. Hits home the truth. About your poem in general. Selfish people in a selfish world. No respect, no decency. No love for everyone around them.