The phrase, common courtesy, is used to describe those actions that exemplify excellence of manners, social conduct or polite behavior. They are considered courteous, respectful, or considerate. However, lately I have noticed that many of these common courtesies are no longer being followed. And, unfortunately, many of these common courtesies are not being done with such increasing frequency that they are quickly becoming "uncommon courtesies".
We all see episodes of uncommon courtesy every day, particularly while driving. Some of these include:
- Changing lanes or turning after a red light turns green without using a turn signal. I wonder why drivers do not use turn signals. To me, it makes sense to keep other drivers informed of your intentions. This just adds an additional safety element to the driving experience. When I first started driving, if you were going to make a turn, you had to roll down the window and stick out your arm; straight out meant you were turning left and the arm bent up meant you were turning right. You had to do this rain or shine and even during the cold and snow of winter. It certainly was inconvenient to have to roll down the window to inform other drivers that you were going to make a turn, but most people did. It was part of what you learned to do as a driver. When automatic turn signals were invented, I could not believe how convenient they were. All you had to do was flick the turn signal arm up or down. Easy! Are drivers becoming so lazy or inconsiderate that they choose to refrain from using a simple turn signal?
- Driving slow in the fast lane. This has become so common that some states have passed laws that drivers can be ticketed if they drive in the fast lane below the speed limit. This practice often forces drivers coming up from behind to change lanes...and probably not using their turn signals when they do.
- Parking in a handicapped-parking space when the driver or no other person in the car is handicapped. I frequently see cars parking in a handicap-parking spot that have the appropriate handicap placards over their rear-view mirror, but the driver who emerges is obviously not handicapped nor is anyone else in the car. Obviously, handicapped-parking spaces are necessary and businesses are required to ensure that they are available. So, if a handicapped driver or passenger is not in the car with a handicapped-placard, why take up a handicap parking space just for your convenience. Common courtesy would dictate that they should leave the parking space for a legitimate handicapped person and they should park in a regular parking space like everyone else.
- Not returning shopping carts to the store or a cart collecting area. I realize that people have busy lives and need to squeeze as many things in a day as possible. But are we really too busy to not take a few minutes to return shopping carts to their appropriate place? Not doing so allows carts to block parking spaces or, even worse, to get blown by the wind, roll in the parking lot and end up denting or scratching a parked car. Unfortunately, this courtesy is becoming more uncommon.
- Leaving your seat at an inappropriate time during a sporting event. When I was a boy and attended a sporting event, I was told that you do not leave your seat to get food or to use the bathroom (if not an emergency) except between innings during a baseball game or during timeouts at other sporting events. This practice ensures that other people in the row will continue to see the action on the field. In recent years, particularly when I attend a baseball game, people come and go at will during the game, often resulting in my missing a key play. Sporting event etiquette and common courtesy should be foremost in the mind of the fans when attending a game.
I could go on to list many other examples of the increasing lack of common courtesy (the use of cell phones has a long list of their own!). Like most things, teaching common courtesy begins at home. Let's hope that common courtesy remains common by having each one of us routinely practice acts of politeness and courtesy. If we do, we will all be a part of making it a great day!
