by Lena Davis

Created on: August 29, 2009

I have to admit that I never cease to be amazed by the lack of respect and the level of unkind and rude behavior exhibited by many youth today. Not all children are guilty of uncivilized behavior, but the rise in national statistics of violent crimes amongst youth is a pretty good indicator in which direction many are headed. Most all generations are critical of the ones that follow them whether warranted or not, but recent trends cannot be denied. I never heard of teens beating up senior citizens growing up; elders were respected as pillars in the family and within the community. Even a derelict was treated with some form of respect; we recognized their humanity if nothing more. A report in the media indicated that teens had set a homeless man on fire. Web videos of teens beating and harassing other teens spread like wildfire. Law enforcement has to become creative in ways to handle web assaults. Something is happening with our youth in that do not recognize when they are crossing social boundaries.

Growing up with a mother from the south I really had to practice my social graces. This region of the nation really takes pride in doing so. We had to use titles when addressing adults "Mr., Mrs. or Miss. We did not call our parents by their first names. We were taught to: greet those who we passed along our way; say excuse me and to give thanks for the kindnesses of others shown to us, no matter how small; and to seek how we may be of service to our neighbors The use of profanity and colloquial expressions (slang) was never uttered in the presence of any adult. Figures of authority were revered even if they were not liked by one. The Golden Rule was the rule of thumb: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Of course sometimes I'd confuse it with, "Do unto others as they do unto you". However, I always had parental guidance to help me to get it just right in practice. I was taught to respect property, at home, in the community and anywhere else my travels would take me. My mother taught all of her children to appreciate the hard work of others, first with recognition of their efforts, with words, with deeds and with emulation. This was the heritage she received from her upbringing, and she was passing it down to her children.

If our children are behaving poorly, it is because the heritage that is being passed down is devoid of social graces. I cannot fault the children alone for their misguided behavior: children have a natural propensity to rebel

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