R I P Decency and Respect

I have been troubled by the lack of common decency in our country. It appears in everything from clothing styles to communication. Showing your undergarments is indecent. It is not hip, not stylish, not a fashion statement. It is indecent. Talking on your cell phone whenever and wherever you want to is indecent. I don't want to hear your conversation, nor does everyone else. It is impolite to be gabbing away while others are trying to help you, speak to you or ignore you. Like the sign says in my local library, if you need to use your cell phone, please step out into the lobby. Even gum chewing has become indecent. I am not adverse to people chewing gum after a meal to freshen their breath. Bad breath is as bad as bad manners. But people seem to think that a piece of chewing gum showing while they are talking is something pleasant to see. It is chewed food. Perhaps it is not as unattractive as half-chewed pizza, but it is still unpleasant to see.

For the most part, I have remained silent about this lapse in decency. Students in my class can not chew gum. My undergarments stay hidden. My cell phone gets turned to silent and ignored when I am with others. I do not force my attempts at decency on others. I practice them and hope others will notice. I know that by being aware of my behavior, I am showing respect to people around me.

But last night I heard a bell toll. It was the death knell for decency and respect. It came in the form of Senator Joe Wilson heckling the President of the United States. I can not teach my children to respect others when there are examples like this in the news. I can not tell my children that you don't have to agree with someone but you do have to respect them as a person when a senator does not respect the president. He says he was overcome with emotion, but he should have some self-restraint.

An apology was issued, which was the right thing for him to do. But the deed was still done. The heckling occurred. Respect for the office of the President of the United States has been breached. At what point will disrespect for others stop? At what point will we start asking ourselves why we are willing to put up with indecent behavior?