As one ages, the descent into curmudgeonry, can occur. Sometimes it is within the individual, to become a Clint Eastwood character, and demand that a person "Get off of my lawn!"
I think however that in many cases, we are driven to become disillusioned with society, and weep for the future, due to the erosion of simple manners, and the laziness towards how we speak, spell, and behave.
Not too long ago, while dining in one of Prince George's more popular restaurants, I witnessed an exchange that simply made me shake my head. In today's social climate, what bothered me, will seem to many, the ramblings of an aging old sod, or resentment towards non-gender specific salutations; I simply find it lazy, and disrespectful. There seems to be a preponderance today, to use the term "guys" when addressing someone, regardless of to whom you are speaking.
My mother, at seventy-five, cannot stand being referred to, as a "guy"; my wife, feels the same.
At this establishment, I watched a young server approach a table.
His T-shirt was at least three sizes too small, his dedication to weightlifting was overly apparent, and his smile was as blinding as his soon to be observed intelligence, was not. Half a dozen times, he referred to the tables occupants as "guys," this was punctuated by his constant rubber-necking as every young, nubile female walked past. Once the server had taken the order, water, he left the table and struck-up conversation with a young lady.
The patrons that he had just interacted with, all got up, and left the restaurant. I may be wrong, but the two dozen "ladies" of the Red Hat Society, many whom are old enough to remember the war, the Second World War that is, had probably had enough of his lazy, contemporary and rude mannerisms - oblivious!
Perhaps it is social media, connectivity with texting (Don't get me started on the spelling of there, their, your and you're), Snapchat and Instagram? Maybe it is the lack of elocution, and the lost art of conversation, due to virtual communication? Whatever it is, these ladies come from a different time, a time when simple manners, and propriety were considered important.
Maybe the relevance of this is lost on many, but there are many, many ways, of addressing people with polite, non-gender specific nouns, that are far more courteous, and let's face it, more professional.
Mike Maslen,
Prince George
