Why are the youth of today so rude?

The common denominator is a lack of manners. Whereas previous generations misbehaved as a rebellion against authorities, part of today's youths are so caught up in their own self-centeredness that no authorities exist in their minds

"I do not like to talk to my grandson. He does not know how to converse politely. In our times, we were extremely courteous with our elders, knew how to respect them and spoke softly.

But now a day's all that these children know is to play games on the internet and update their status on face book. They spend more time on the internet and mobile rather than with their near and dear ones! The human contact has reduced and other has taken over so completely," Says Narayan Rao, a retired teacher and a grandfather of a teen-ager.

"My children were so polite when they were small. They would wish all elders with a bow and even touch their feet. Also, they would ask them their well-being and talk to them, taking their advice and opinions too.

But these days the children are busy in their own world and do not care at all for their near and dear ones, especially elders. Both my children are in abroad and grandchildren visit us only once a year. I realize that we are too out dated for them," says ArunaKumar, a home maker.

Well, this is only one side of the story….Let us hear what the younger generation has to say! Aditya Murthy, a College student says, "I remain busy most of the time in my studies and the stress on students these days is tremendous.

I like to chill out with my friends but the elders of my family do not seem to understand all that. If I try to strike a conversation with them, I get a lecture in return and that is once again very stressful. I feel that at times there is a generation gap that cannot be erased out.

Internet is the need of the hour and the older generation does not seem to understand this. It is not as if we do not want to spend time with elders, but we want to be in touch with the latest, at all times! What's wrong with that? It is the need of the hour rather than rudeness or negligence."

It is not a problem to communicate but the level of conversation matters. The youngsters want to have their own jet-set level of relationships while the older generation prefers the slow and steady pace of interaction! The affection and love is still their but the pace has changed, perhaps.

Experts feel that the times have changed, and the entire society has undergone a vast transformation. The youth today is certainly not thoughtless or insensitive, but it is just that the competition has increased so much that possibly these youngsters have little time and patience.

They prefer the faster pace of maintaining relations which is via the internet or face book. And much also depends on the upbringing and values inculcated by the parents. There is also this sudden identity crisis that many youngsters face these days.

Retired Army Officer, Col. Jaivir Prasad has this to say, "When it comes to manners, nothing should come in the way! There are certain basic etiquettes that must be performed.

When my kids were young, both my wife and I made sure that our children are not pointed out for not wishing their elders. Both of us worked towards this as a couple and the result is definitely good! In every get together, at RSI or in the club, my children would wish all their elders and then only proceed for their kind of fun!"

Well, a lot depends on the up bringing by the parents, it seems. Good manners are an asset both in personal and professional lives. A well-mannered person commands more respect in society.