Considering Consideration

In response to Diana Huggins’ Follow A Reply Etiquette, longtime Gnomie Stu Kopelman writes:

Hi Diana,

You have really hit the nerve of society, because what you have asked is
not only a consideration that involves e-mail, but every simple courtesy
involving manners, as well. Customer service? What is that? and why is
it so lacking? Personal e-mail sensitivity? What is that? A trivial
absurdity, at best.

I have walked along the corridor of many a company whose halls are
filled with people walking in the opposite direction. I find that on
many occasions, those with position and authority - who can be an
example - walk past you without a smile, or turned head, or nod - how
much less a greeting? We are taught to disregard our own species.

In school, where teachers and students communicate, I find many students
without even the slightest regard for those who are given authority
over them. Not only is there name-calling, but disruption, disrespect,
and violence. Police patrol the school perimeter as a jailguard would a
jail. Why?

This lack of common courtesy, which should be taught early in childhood,
is no longer fundamental to our youth. Today, “hey, dude” is in; “please,”
“you’re welcome,” and “thank you” are out.

Because of such tolerance, the spiralling effects of the lack of manners
can only generate e-mails that are equal in value. It is chilling, but
true, that children are streetwise long before they have a chance to
practice childhood.

The gang attitude steps out of the front door of our own homes. Parents
have let government, schools, daycare centers, and the like, to usurp
their parental obligations to raise their own children. It is always
the fault of someone else. There are an infinite number of exuses why
parents no longer choose to be responsible for their children, and no
one wants to speak the hard truth. It is political correctness that
makes bearing the truth impossible. Cover it up, turn our heads - and
maybe it will go away.

E-mail insensitivity is just a grain of sand on the seashore - just a
tiny reflection of the whole picture we are seeing - and are about to
see.

Want a responsive and caring e-mail? Teach your children some simple
manners, and don’t take no for an answer!