Kids behaving in stores is a prehistoric concept and it is not in the least bit civilized behavior
Restoring Civility: A Call to Reclaim Public Spaces for Respectful Behavior
In a world where decorum and consideration for others seem to be fading, one writer's encounter at a local Target store serves as a poignant reminder of the need to reclaim public spaces for respectful behavior. Through a series of observations and personal reflections, this article delves into the changing landscape of societal norms and the responsibility we all share in fostering a more civil society.Reclaiming the Public Sphere: A Collective Responsibility
The Pterodactyl Incident: A Disturbing Encounter
The author's experience at the Modesto Target store was a jarring one, as they encountered a scene that sounded like something straight out of a Jurassic Park movie. The loud, pterodactyl-like calls emanating from a young boy and his mother's subsequent response left the author and others in the store bewildered. This incident serves as a microcosm of a larger societal issue – the erosion of civility and respect in public spaces.The Decline of Public Decorum: A Troubling Trend
The author laments the rarity of role models for appropriate behavior in public, drawing a parallel to the lack of harmony in the halls of Congress. The notion that children's actions in stores and restaurants have become the norm, rather than the exception, is a concerning development. The author reflects on a time when kids were expected to conduct themselves with civility in public places, a standard that seems to have faded in recent years.Parental Responsibility: The Cornerstone of Civilized Behavior
The author shares personal experiences of how they and their spouse handled situations where their grandchildren exhibited unruly behavior in public. By calmly removing the children from the situation until they regained composure, the author demonstrates a commitment to instilling the values of respect and consideration for others. This approach stands in stark contrast to the permissive attitudes observed in the Target incident and other public settings.The Erosion of Societal Standards: A Troubling Shift
The author recounts an incident at a local restaurant where a large party with young children displayed a complete disregard for the comfort and experience of other patrons. The dismissive response from the adults, who seemed to view the restaurant staff as responsible for managing their children's behavior, highlights a concerning shift in societal expectations. The author laments the loss of the notion that parents have an obligation to their children and society to enforce acceptable standards of conduct.The Consequences of Unchecked Behavior: A Societal Ripple Effect
The author reflects on a previous experience where a mother refused to address her child's disruptive behavior in a store, despite the pleas of the staff. This incident, and the author's subsequent column on the matter, elicited an angry response from the mother, who claimed that times have changed and that physical discipline is no longer acceptable. The author counters this notion, emphasizing that their own parents enforced standards of behavior through non-physical means, such as "the look" that communicated the unacceptability of certain actions.The Responsibility to Uphold Civility: A Call to Action
The author concludes by suggesting that the lack of parental responsibility in enforcing standards of behavior may be contributing to the increasing prevalence of adults engaging in public displays of aggression and discord. This observation underscores the importance of instilling the values of respect, consideration, and civility in the next generation, as these qualities are essential for maintaining a harmonious and functional society.
