Many people acknowledge that common sense is a thing of the past, but let me tell you it is certainly not the only value that has been lost through the years. Today, the general lack of etiquette and manners in our society has raised to an alarming high. It is time to become more accountable for our own actions.

Every generation leaves values and standards that are socially acceptable. These values are known more appropriately as social norms. As evidenced by such atrocities as genocide and racism, not all social norms should be continued. Etiquette is however a social norm that not only separates the intellectuals from the animalistic cretins, but serves as a way to show respect for those around you. Although some particularly gauche traits may be hard to break, everyone could benefit by becoming more cognizant of their own etiquette pitfalls.

Although there are many facets of proper etiquette, perhaps the most glaringly obvious of which lies within the way a person dines. If you are accustomed to lip smacking, eating with your mouth open, hastily consuming copious amounts of food, you are breaking the delicate rules of etiquette. You may be wondering why this is so important to care about. Let's face it, poor mealtime etiquette is visually and auditorily unappealing. These actions not only hurt the ear, but serve to establish your character as an unkempt savage. Why would you put yourself and others through this social deviance when there is another way? Maintaining a certain level of decorum would be much appreciated by those around you.

Poor etiquette can cause many problems, but perhaps the most important of which is the disrespect it shows the people around you. When you choose to act in a rude or offensive way, you are sending a message to those around you that you think they are not worthy of your best. Perhaps a good example of this would be impolitely interrupting others when they are talking. When you partake in this rude roadblock of communication, you are sending the message that you do not believe what the other person says is important. This is perhaps where I tend to have the most trouble. I find myself interrupting people far too often.

Although we should always try to put our best foot forward, at the end of the day we are only human. If everyone would try just a little harder to show respect for one another I firmly believe there would be far less conflict in the world. Nobody likes to feel undervalued or mistreated, and this we can all attest to. Our generation is undervalued and scrutinized for many things, and I believe it is time to change that. The best way to change is to know where you need improvement. The next time you think of showing your heathenistic side, think again! All in all, you have complete control over your actions, and the time to show the world your tact.