In the past decade, there has been a severe decline in the American family. Manners and courtesy have disappeared. Respect for those older and wiser has turn into distain. Selfishness and arrogance have replaced a giving spirit and humbleness. Everyone always wonders aloud how this happened, but no one is willing to look at their own families to see if the problem has taken root.
I had the unfortunate opportunity to witness a family of six exhibit many of the above mentioned characteristics. This family sits in front of us at the basketball games. There have been a few games where some of the members were missing, but for the most part, the parents, 3 boys and 1 girl (the youngest...probably 6 or 7 judging by the missing top front teeth) usually are together. I've noticed off and on some of the behaviors, but on Monday had my full attention taken up by this family. Each time the father stood up, the children were demanding food from the consession stands. And I do mean demanding. I heard so many "I wants" I thought I was going to throw up. When the vendors came up to our section (about 5 rows from the top of the Coliseum, so we aren't anywhere close to the stairs) the children demanded more, and they got it. Not one "thank you" was uttered from any of the children's lips. The children completely ignored their mother. This was most evident in the little girl, who was sitting next to her mother, sucking her thumb. Her mother kept telling her to stop sucking her thumb but when the child would look at her and pop the thumb right back in her mouth, nothing was said. The oldest son (probably 13 or 14) and his father kept making rude/sexist comments about the cheerleaders which they yelled to each other down the entire row of their family. I tried really hard to pay attention to the game, but the entire 2 hours I sat there, I just kept thinking "This is the poster family for why American children and young adults are the way they are."
Now I fully admit that I may be making a very harsh judgement, having only witnessed this family for 2 hour blocks of time (where most of my time was focused on keeping my child in check). However, I find it hard to believe that their actions at the ball game would be any different if in another setting.
What has happened in this country that has caused such a decline in the American family? Where did the breakdown occur? Am I being judgemental? Yes. Am I being too critical? I would argue no to that. Is a family that requires manners to be used and respect to be given a minority? I hope not, but I fear that is true. Patrick and I try so hard to model the behavior we want Morgan to do. We stress manners, respect, and strive to show appreciation in everything we do. Is that weird? Admittedly we fall short, not always using manners, but we are only human. I have even had some family members think it weird that I write thank you notes for every gift we receive. That's just the way we did things in my house, and I feel it is important to take some time to thank a person for thinking so much about me that they took time (and sometimes money) to get me/make me a gift. And I want Morgan to be that way too. I want manners and respect to be the norm in our house. I want Morgan to grow up having "yes please, no thank you, and thank you very much" on her lips as an immediate, almost instinctive, reaction to life.
I would challenge the American family to look at themselves first to figure out why my generation and even more the generation that is following feels that they are entitled to everything the world provides. Sure, shoot for the stars, but don't think that you won't have to work to get there. And a please or thank you will open more doors than an I want. At least, I hope in the future that will remain true.
Compliments of my wonderful friends, Karen, Sheri, Val, and Felicity (who undoubtedly let them in to my office!). You gals sure are great! I really appreciate it as I begin my 31st year.
