Whither Respect/Courtesy ????? – By Noor Rahim
In this modern day; with the ever-growing and advancement of Technology, life has been made so comfortable for an easy-going life style. Along with it has come the detrimental decadence of the spiritual life style of the human beings; wherein we have seen the moral and spiritual decay that confronts the human race. Yes! Life sure has brought such ease to lull one into a way that the human brain does not really be taxed in the thought process; but in a life style of “material wants” that one does not take any notice of respect or courtesy towards each other – perhaps only to worship the Almighty “Currency Note” with the adage – “Each for Him/Herself & God for us all”. So Dear Reader, please take a moment from your very busy programs and give this all important situation that confronts us all a few moments of your learned/ educated thoughts that relates to your very own experiences that you face in daily life.
One is constrained to ask an important question on the erosion of the coveted human values that we were so ingrained in us by our parents, spiritual following and the general populace of yore. This closely followed the concept of “Give respect; to get respect”. Courtesy does emanate from the much valued respect for each other in our daily lives; but alas what we cherished in the decades gone by seems to have almost disappeared. After all, most folks do not appear to have time for these niceties in life. The only respect they have is for the lucrative “currency notes” and the new gotten luxuries in life that have been enhanced by the advancement in modern day technological advancements.
With the ebbing of the noble aspects of “Respect” dawns an era of “Rudeness”. We are fast losing to this new ideology that has crept into our Human Society. Disrespect can be seen in every facet of ones’ journey outside his/her own domicile except on the social media which you access at home via telephone, Face-book and the likes. With disrespect also comes another disturbing experience of vulgarity and unwanted soliciting.
We no doubt are apt to see the rampant disrespect; discourtesy and indiscipline when we venture out from our homes on our daily chores. How often do we see the litter strewn all over like empty coffee cups, pop-cans & cigarette butts and more. The graffiti on public and private property (vandalism – if one may say). As you drive along at the designated speed limit and obey the road signs, you encounter the ill-tempered and ill-mannered who toot their car horns and drive aggressively to pass you by with an angry “glare”; just short of calling you names; but with the crude, indecent and disrespectful display of the finger pointed to tell you what you can do? But undeterred you drive on, keeping to the required regulations with respect & self-discipline and not retorting as it would result in “road rage”; perhaps with devastating results, as has happened in recent days. For it is said that the concept of “Right is Might” is no more applicable; for the rule these misguided appear to be following is “Might is Right”. And as you come to an intersection you stop at the “Red” signal light you often find the on-coming traffic not indicating which way they wish to turn; except at the very last minute – doesn’t it reek of indiscipline and disrespect for other users of the road?
The journey however takes you to your destination and you open the door for the guy behind you; and have you experienced the guy just walking through without at least a courteous nod to show appreciation to you? If yes, then you are lucky because this is not the norm during these modern days. Rudeness appear to be a way of life with most folks; and speaking of ones’ experience in this Land of Milk & Honey, Teepees and the Red-Coats, of 3 decades ago; one can only reminisce of the courtesy; politeness and respect that we exchanged and cherished amongst us. A very true concept of “Courtesy begets Courtesy”. Wherein we folks inculcated a sense of wanting and camaraderie that led to cohesive living.
All these good Moral Values have deteriorated and will disappear very soon it seems. Over-ridden by aggressiveness, destruction of Property & lives and a feeling of animosity appears to be now gaining ground. Would this now lead to the old saying of “Dog eat Dog- the Law of the Jungle”? Only time will tell. It is now time that the authorities stepped up to the plate and stemmed this flow of degradation of human values without fear, favour or prejudice; and more so without fear of losing their seats. For the loss of discipline & respect will only lead to strife and uncertainty and bring down the pillars of governance of the Land – its’ moral standing and its’ spiritual time-tested and proven stance; that has long withstood the onslaught of time.
Noor Rahim
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August 27 2018
