Random Acts of Kindness

         

          Back in the good old days people were actually polite to each other.  It was not unusual to walk down the street and have complete strangers greet you with a smile and even a brief ‘morning’ or ‘afternoon.’  But, from observations I’ve made lately, that little nicety has flown out the window along with its friends, kindness and good manners.

          That’s why I was so delighted when my sixteen year old grandson was awarded a ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ certificate by his high school at their year end celebrations.  It made me feel so hopeful about the youth of today.  That perhaps the downright rudeness so prevalent among the younger generation might be a passing fad.

          Case in point…I was standing in a long line at the post office.  Directly in front of me was an elderly woman, who was probably in her 70’s; in front of her was a young girl, about 18 or so.   While rattling around in her purse, a small envelope fluttered from the young woman’s purse to the floor.  I saw it, the elderly lady in front of me saw it, the 18 year old appeared oblivious.

After a beat, the old lady bent down, picked up the envelope and handed it to the younger woman.  Not a smile, not a nod, not even a muttered word passed the young woman’s lips.  She grabbed the envelope, checked to make sure it was hers and turned to face the line again.

          I was stunned.  How rude can one person be?  But perhaps I’d missed something?  I tapped my elderly neighbor on the shoulder.  ‘Did she even say thank you?’ I asked.

          The woman raised her eyes to the heavens and shook her head.  ‘Nope.  But that’s the young people today isn’t it?’

          Really?  Well, it’s about time the young people of today developed some grace, stopped thinking the sun was created to only shine on them, and started acting as though they lived on the same planet as us ‘oldies.’

          Where did all this arrogant rudeness come from?  Someone had to teach them.  Perhaps it was the guy who insisted on walking between me and the shelf of books I was looking at without so much as an ‘excuse me.’  Apparently, the three feet of empty aisle behind me was too difficult for him to see.  Or perhaps it was the parents of a young girl who, preceding me into a store, pulled open the heavy door and even though she could see me behind her, allowed the door to swing shut.  Had I not stopped it with my foot, my nose would probably be smeared over my face. Or at least I would have been seeing stars for quite some time.

          I don’t know…growing up in Europe, as a child I was expected to curtsey when being introduced to an adult; to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as a matter of course and even to stand when an adult entered a room.

          Now, I’m not for one moment suggesting that the kids of today should curtsey for an adult (I can hear the hoots of derision already.)  And, unless it is a crowded bus or train, I’m not even saying they should stand.  But they sure as heck can add some little politeness to their mumbled comments when addressed by someone older than they are.  Or even add a smile…that would be a step in the right direction at least.

          It’s my belief that kids learn by example first and words of explanation are an additional confirmation of conduct that is acceptable and required.  But it seems the youth of today have few examples placed before them.  They are trained rather than taught, by anyone and everyone except their parents.

          That’s why I appreciate the amazing job my daughter and son-in-law has done with their five offspring.  Random acts of kindness are not unusual events in that family…but it’s nice to have a certificate that recognizes the achievement.  Well done, Jacob!