Although there likely is no measurable, objective standard to determine if our current society is more rude, self-absorbed, bullied, violent, lying or lacking in self-responsibility and restraint than others in the past, let me offer some peevish examples of our present one.

I’m sure you have your own list.

Beer cans in the Garden of Eden

Litterbugs, those who deliberately throw out beer cans, shot bottles, old diaper boxes, remnants of fast-food meals, all done deliberately, even spacing litter so that those who “clean up after me,” probably the clubbier class, will have to work harder as resentful litterers think they do.  Then, too, littering could be regarded as a protest against gentrification.    

Everyday rudeness

Whether it’s called road rage, a lack of civility or “Trumped up” politics, just about anything seems to provoke anger in those who take offense only too easily.

These days, that’s almost anyone. The place where you must be most careful?  In the schoolyard, prison or within families. 

The least?  In sports or among polite, deferential people who often ignore, shrug you off or just don’t care.

Telephone menus

Whether major corporations or government agencies, elaborate push-button systems with soothing, recorded voices, all formally polite, ensure that you will feel helpless, frustrated and impotent at the end of a call. 

Besides, you’ll eventually just give up.  Still, be sure to wait on the line for a meaningless survey.

Let me quickly add spoiled, pampered brats growing up with inflated expectations and perhaps the most powerful brat pack of all — the Trump family.

What about dressing down not only on Fridays but anytime, anywhere? 

The fake shabbiness of celebrities and billionaires like Johnny Depp and Mark Zuckerberg? Beltless pants hanging halfway down your backside?  Noise and voice amplification? 

Trucks and motorcycles with deliberately loud mufflers? Loud cellphones and conversations in public places?  Barking dogs? 

Finally, we live in a mealy-mouthed, lying, rude world,  where truth has become so compromised that we have become more litigious, suspicious, cynical and alienated from our neighbors and each other. 

Now, what’s on your list?

Milton Ready,

Tryon