There was a time not so long ago when a man used to give up his seat to a woman on a route bus. Or when a man held a door for a lady.
In these days of equality, such basic manners have been thrown out of the window. Not only that, but rudeness and vulgarity in language and dress have become so common that those who have known better times wonder what kind of society is evolving today.
Courtesy and respect are disappearing fast as many among the new generation have no appetite for the niceties of life.
Disrespect and insolence have crept in fast even in writing, with some perhaps thinking that descending to such low levels is synonymous with being cool, savvy and modern.
The practice is becoming so widespread that it has become almost acceptable. To cap it all, certain mobile phone use is also wrecking civility as we have known it.
It has been said that the mobile phone has created a generation without manners, an assessment that may be considered absurd or an exaggeration.
Still, there is certainly no denying that the mobile phone has made many inconsiderate of others and rude.
Yet even simple polite gestures or simple signs of civility, such as “thank you”, are becoming scarce.
Why do some people insist on spitting in public? Is it not horrible enough seeing top players doing it on the field of play?
Blaspheming in public, and use of bad language, are increasing, not decreasing, and it is not just men who do this.
Women are becoming equally proficient. It is disgusting.
And whatever happened to decency in dress? Why are so many people, men and women, dressing so sloppily? Why are some young women dressing so provocatively indecent? Why do people choose to arrive late at meetings and private and public events?
At a superb HSBC concert at George’s Square in Valletta recently, close to 700 people were seated well before it started, but a few thought nothing of arriving late.
Rather than leading them to their seats, the ushers should have turned them away or at least let them stay at the back. Arriving late is a sign of discourtesy, no matter who the person is.
What is the root of such declining standards? It is rude to answer a mobile phone call during a meeting or when in the company of others, unless it is an emergency.
Digital bad manners are also evident in cinemas as well as during lectures and conferences, where people do not think twice about either answering a call or sending text messages.
According to a poll by Debrett’s, about three in four people now believe manners have been wrecked by mobile phones, laptops, tablets and social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.
Some 77 per cent think that social skills are worse than 20 years ago, while 72 per cent think mobile phones have encouraged rudeness. Texting is killing writing skills. There is plenty of evidence of this in responses to news stories online.
Are we happy with the situation as it is evolving today? Should we say goodbye to good manners? Are good manners becoming passé?
Habits and customs may change, but good manners are signs of civility. Who, exactly, is failing in cultivating good manners? The education system? The family? Let the debate begin.