Please, show respect
by SADIE BLANKENSHIP
Issue date: 9/28/09 Section: Opinion
Since the Civil War, Americans have been in a constant fight. Then it was a fight with guns and machinery, now it's a brawl of words.
Over the past half-century, we have seen a degradation of politeness. Please and thank you are scarce, and we speak to elders as if they're peers. A lack of respect for one another is evident every day.
The latest incident would be none other than Kanye West surprise, surprise. In Taylor Swift's shining moment at the Video Music Awards, he strutted his arrogant self up on stage and proceeded to degrade her and humiliate himself.
Don't get me wrong; Swift is an atrocity to the music of today, but that is no reason to make her cry in front of the entire world. If they had been in the Civil War, he might as well have shot her in the face.
Another rude incident of epic proportions occurred in the United States House of Representatives. Senator Joe Wilson barked out, "You lie" right to our president's face as he gave a speech on the new health care bill. A grand roar of jeers and boos ensued.
This is one of the major governing bodies of the United States. You would think there would be some decorum inside the hallowed chambers, but no. Obviously Wilson couldn't contain himself or his mouth.
If our very leaders are acting out on brash feelings, who are we to look to for examples of common courtesy?
It seems that the United States needs to have quiet time a bit more often.
Then we as a nation might be able to contain ourselves when our tempers start to flair. One day our Civil War of words might end.
Over the past half-century, we have seen a degradation of politeness. Please and thank you are scarce, and we speak to elders as if they're peers. A lack of respect for one another is evident every day.
The latest incident would be none other than Kanye West surprise, surprise. In Taylor Swift's shining moment at the Video Music Awards, he strutted his arrogant self up on stage and proceeded to degrade her and humiliate himself.
Don't get me wrong; Swift is an atrocity to the music of today, but that is no reason to make her cry in front of the entire world. If they had been in the Civil War, he might as well have shot her in the face.
Another rude incident of epic proportions occurred in the United States House of Representatives. Senator Joe Wilson barked out, "You lie" right to our president's face as he gave a speech on the new health care bill. A grand roar of jeers and boos ensued.
This is one of the major governing bodies of the United States. You would think there would be some decorum inside the hallowed chambers, but no. Obviously Wilson couldn't contain himself or his mouth.
If our very leaders are acting out on brash feelings, who are we to look to for examples of common courtesy?
It seems that the United States needs to have quiet time a bit more often.
Then we as a nation might be able to contain ourselves when our tempers start to flair. One day our Civil War of words might end.
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