Cultural Seismic Shifts

It is my understanding that seismologists study the slightest tremors to determine the shifts in the earth's crust, and thereby predict earthquakes. It is not a precise science, but it does help us understand the danger signs, and the trends. I believe there are such signs that indicate trends within our culture. They may seem small, but they may be signigicant indicators of where we are heading.

For instance, children in general no longer say without some prompting "yes mam" and "yes sir." "Yeah" is a common expression. Children are calling adults by their first names more often as well. I remember even when I was growing up my first cousin who was older than me allowed his children to call him and their mother by their first names. It was a discussion point within our family because then it seemed very strange. We hardly notice it today. I have also noticed that if an adult and a child are walking and are on a collison course, it is rare to see a child yield the right of way to the adult. If the adult keeps walking they will probably be run over by the child. The same applies to opening doors.

I know these are small things, but they are signs of disrespect. There was a time when a clear distinction was made between young and old. Not so much anymore. I remember when we would sit in a circle, usually shelling peas, and the "youngins'" would actually sit there and shell peas with the adults, and actually listen to the stories they would tell. This could go on for hours. I cannot imagine such a scene today in our culture. There has been a shift.

I have noticed that children interrupt adults when they are talking these days. They don't seem to understand the idea of waiting patiently until they are acknowledged. They don't get the idea of letting guests go first in line either. Something is changing. The seismic plates are shifting. Have we become too casual about respect?