We’re in the Midst of a Disrespect Epidemic
It’s honestly a shame that, as grown folks, we even have to talk about this. Respect. Decency. Common courtesy. These aren’t new concepts—they’re the basics, the kind of things we were taught (or should have been taught) as kids. And yet, here we are, in boardrooms, public spaces, and even government offices, watching people act like ill-mannered kids with no home training.
I wish I didn’t feel compelled to write about this, but I do, and so I did.
The lack of basic respect is showing up everywhere, and it’s not just frustrating—it’s undermining workplaces, communities, and leadership at every level.
Once upon a time, basic manners were a given. A simple “hello” when passing a colleague, a “please” when making a request, and a “thank you” to show appreciation were standard practice. Now? It’s like we’re living in an alternate universe where common courtesy is a relic of the past.
The decline of professional etiquette and social decorum isn’t just an office issue anymore. It’s infiltrated every corner of society—our workplaces, communities, and even the highest levels of government. So this is where we are; Rudeness has become the default.
Where Did All the Manners Go?
Some might blame technology, and they wouldn’t be wrong. Our addiction to instant gratification has reduced human interaction to a series of text bubbles, abbreviations, and emojis. Gone are the days of well-thought-out emails or actual phone calls. Now, we shoot off abrupt, context-lacking messages without a second thought. “K.” “Got it.” “Yep.”—no warmth, no acknowledgment, just efficiency at the cost of human connection.
Others point to the pandemic, which undeniably accelerated the shift toward detached communication. However, COVID didn’t create this problem; it merely exposed how far we’d already fallen. The erosion of basic etiquette started long before we were all forced onto Zoom.
Truthfully—it’s deeper than technology or the pandemic. We are witnessing a fundamental shift in values. Respect, kindness, and courtesy are no longer seen as necessities. In fact, in many cases, they’re seen as weaknesses. Being loud, blunt, and dismissive is now mistaken for strength.
The Workplace is a Mirror of Society’s Decline
Workplaces used to be built on collaboration, professionalism, and—dare I say it—mutual respect. Now, people fire off emails without greetings, bypassing even a simple “Good morning.” Meetings are riddled with distractions as attendees multitask, their attention divided between a dozen different screens. Constructive criticism? Forget it. Feedback is either sugarcoated beyond usefulness or delivered with an edge so sharp it cuts morale in half.
And let’s talk about leadership. Too many leaders now operate on a “just get it done” mentality, forgetting that success isn’t just about output—it’s about people. Employees aren’t machines. They need engagement, acknowledgment, and, yes, even a little gratitude.
Government and Public Discourse: Leading by the Worst Example
If you need proof that civility is in crisis, just look at our political landscape. Disagreements used to be debated; now, they’re full-blown verbal brawls.
Instead of finding common ground, leaders resort to public insults, childish name-calling, and outright hostility. And the worst part? It’s trickling down.
When the people at the top refuse to demonstrate respect, why would anyone else feel compelled to? The result is a society where kindness is optional, decency is rare, and confrontation is the new normal.
Take, for example, the recent diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the Oval Office was anything but diplomatic. Depending on whom you ask, he was either ambushed or simply failed to be more tactful.
Instead of a respectful conversation, what the world witnessed was another example of the growing lack of civility—even at the highest levels of international relations. Political disagreements are one thing, but outright hostility toward a war-torn nation fighting for survival? That’s something else entirely.
Civility used to be a crucial part of diplomacy. Yet, today, political leaders often engage in the same kind of rudeness and disregard we see in everyday interactions.
And this isn’t just about one meeting or one country. It’s part of a larger pattern where leaders—on all sides—are more focused on “winning” arguments than on engaging in meaningful, respectful discourse.
The result? A world where even allies turn into adversaries simply because no one remembers how to communicate with decency.
Why Does This Matter?
Some may argue, “So what? As long as the work gets done, who cares about niceties?” Really?
Manners aren’t just about being polite. They’re about building relationships, fostering collaboration, and maintaining trust.
Imagine trying to negotiate a deal, manage a team, or solve a conflict when basic respect is absent. Imagine a world where no one acknowledges effort, gratitude is extinct, and disagreements escalate into full-blown arguments.
Sound familiar? That’s the world we’re creeping toward.
Civility isn’t just about being “nice.” It’s about functionality. In business, politics, and everyday life, relationships are everything. And relationships don’t thrive in environments filled with condescension, impatience, and disregard.
Bringing Back Respect, One Interaction at a Time
All is not bleak; the situation is reversible. We don’t have to accept rudeness as the new normal. A shift back toward civility starts with the simplest of actions:
- Start with “Hello.” A greeting isn’t just a formality—it’s an acknowledgment of another person’s presence.
- Say “Please” and “Thank You.” These aren’t just words; they’re signs of respect.
- Be fully present. When in a conversation or meeting, actually listen. Close the extra tabs, put down the phone, and engage.
- Lead by example. Whether in a leadership role or not, model the behavior you want to see. Respect begets respect.
And for those in positions of authority, whether in the workplace, politics, or society, it’s time to recognize that influence should come with responsibility. Leaders set the tone. If they embrace civility, so will those who follow them.
At the end of the day, treating others with respect and kindness isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength. A culture of rudeness only weakens us, making collaboration harder and progress slower.
We Can’t Function Without Respect
If we genuinely want to move forward in business, politics, or life, we have to bring back the art of courtesy. The world is already chaotic! Why make it worse by forgetting how to be decent to one another?
Photo by Yevhen Rozhylo on Unsplash
