Recently, I have been having a difficult time promoting good manners. Not because I don’t see a need, but because of the recent outbreak of pure anger on TV, the Internet, Newspapers, Social Media etc. Between the hate and the hurt, it is a trying time in our country. It is very difficult for people to think about appropriate behaviors for different environments, when the news is full of one violent situations after another, in otherwise peaceful cities and towns. I believe “anger and hate” has hit a new level in our country. I am not sure why some individuals feel justified in their violent and destructive behavior but we seem to be becoming numb to it. When did hurting one another become justified because we were mad?
Yes we have freedom of speech but this does not give us the right to hurt one another just because we don’t agree. We also don’t have the right to loot or destroy homes and businesses because we are angry and mad. It’s just not right never mind rude.
If you are one of these individuals who feels violence is the only answer, please stop and rethink your plan of action. Before you choice to fuel the angry bandwagon that seems to be escalating at a rapid pace, consider your ultimate goal. Think about what you are doing and why? Are you expressing yourself because we are angry and hurt and see no other way to be heard or because you have hope for change and for a better tomorrow. If you are hoping to feel better about tomorrow and the days ahead, think about the most effective way to deliver this message without anger or violence. For real change to take place, we have to stop hurting each other.
Our children are watching.
Colleen Harding is a certified etiquette and protocol instructor and the founder of the Cleveland School of Etiquette and Corporate Protocol. Programs and packages available for children and businesses.