Yes I agree, and it is very sad too. Simple everyday courtesies, such as holding a door for someone whose hands are full at the store, are seen less and less. Kids definitely seem to have less respect for elders, but that is the fault of parents who are too lazy to raise their kids properly. And then consider the notion of road rage. People SHOOTING each other because someone got cut off? You never heard of such a thing 30 years ago.

 Work ethic overall does seem to have deteriorated. Of course respect is something few people have anymore.. And the most recent generations believe the world owes them something for nothing. Perhaps this is because the liberals spent so much time boosting their fragile self esteem even when they didn't actually DO anything.... Then again.. Maybe its that lack of discipline - kid don't grow up learning manners and respect from people afraid to correct them when they are wrong..

 I agree. There are so many places that don't emphasize the importance of being courteous when dealing with the public. Stores, restaurants, doctor's offices and other places of business. I recently to a restaurant and asked for a carry out. The waitress wasn't pleasant from the very beginning. When she brought the carry out back she had it under her arm. In a nice and calm manner, I told her that it was not sanitary for her to carry the open container under her armpit, as her deoderant could flake off and it was not sanitary. She turned and told me that "I only have two arms." Not only was she rude and inattentive, she could not accept constructive criticism. I reported her to her supervisor and. Everybody has bad days, but if you are working with the public, you should make every effort not to let it show. Men let doors slam in lady's faces. People bum rush you getting onto elevators and not let you exit before they enter. This type of stuff just burns me up.

 I hear you on this one. I have never in my life seen so many rude people on their jobs. I'm not saying that they are all rude, but with some of them, you can most definitely tell that they don't want to be there, or that they hate their job. The other thing I hate is when they are snotty about their service, no tact whatsoever. If I was to hire someone for my place of business, I am going to make sure that that person is going to treat my customers with respect, and dignity. No slackers on my job site.

 A sad state of affairs, isn't it? The worst part of it is that we put up with it! I think it starts at home. If you've ever heard some kids talk to their parents it astounds you, and the parents don't do a thing about it! It is up to each of us to demand the respect we desrve. We can't alloiw ourselves to be treated with the disrespect and contempt that has become the norm in this country.

 In the business world, we call these "soft skills". If developed, soft skills are an asset. America is losing its soft skills, and that's why outsourcing of customer service jobs is a done deal. Customer service reps in other countries are reaping the benefits of our collective deficit in tact and courtesy. It's not just that they can work cheaper and have better education in math and science. They are capable of cultivating politeness, which only us anachronistic Americans remember.

 Yes! I have noticed that too. Might be today's busy life & tension is one of the reasons of this frustrated behavior.
But, this has really resulted in so many street fights & rude customer relations service that irritates & heightens my worries regarding people's what this new lowered tolerance level might result in, If not controlled by some good policies both on Individual & state level.
I think these growing "bomb explosions", "wars", etc etc are result of this new frustrated society.

 I agree; tact and courtesy are rare commodities in today's society. Even in a business environment it's often the squeaky wheel who gets the grease. Industrial strength brown-nosing has taken the place of both tact and courtesy in many places of business as a means of getting ahead.

 Come to think of it, I suppose courtesy is
becoming scarce. While I
still come across benignant
people,insolence is prevalent.

 People seem to be more and more rude. What is the hurry. I've been cut off in traffic several times lately. Why can't they allow themselves more time before they leave for their destination?

 I totally agree. Just see the scene on TV last week where the old gentleman got ran over by two hit and run drivers and no one offered help, or pass someone in the store isle and see if they say excuse me. People have such bad attitudes today.