Four Things That Have Become Unacceptable But Were Once Normal

I just miss the good old days when things were simpler.

Remember the good old days when things were really simple? The time when the family used to sit together to watch favourite TV shows. The time when we actually used to socialize, meeting each other instead of video calls. Or perhaps when we used to write letters instead of texting/emailing. Yes, technology has brought us all together, but I am not about technology.

I am talking about the social changes that have transformed us into self-policing human beings. We have been moulded by politics and the media in such a way that we cannot talk about things that we used to talk about. A narrative will be created that crucifies you for talking negatively about these.

Real Human Connectivity is Lost

These days, people seem to connect via Tinder, Bumble, Instagram or even LinkedIn. When was the last time you approached a guy or a girl just because they seemed interesting and you wanted to chat with them?

There was a time when you would talk to people and connect with them to learn about their likes and dislikes. However, in this day and age, that information can be obtained through your Instagram profile or Facebook timeline, where you can see everything from food habits to gym routines to favourite cafes.

You cannot Joke on Certain “Things”

The world has become fragile. Almost everything is offensive now. I believe this is the hardest part for artists, actors, and stand-up comedians. You simply cannot give your opinions about politics, gender, sexuality, issues, and religion.

Since everything is now online, if you tweet anything, it is there forever, even if you delete it. It’s possible that someone took screenshots. There has been news about some celebrities saying some things they knew or unknowingly said on Twitter 10 years ago that made them lose their jobs after their old tweets recently resurfaced.

Of course, hating on certain communities is unacceptable if you are known to be calling out someone for something you shouldn’t have. But again, we live in a society where we engage in the ‘cancel culture,’ in which an individual gets socially cancelled regardless of whether he or she sincerely meant it or not. People do take remarks out of context when they intend to malign and humiliate another person.

Courtesies and Chivalry are Dead

I have always respected others, irrespective of their caste, colour, religion, or gender. As a result, offering a seat to someone in need, especially the elderly, physically challenged, pregnant women, or anyone in need, comes naturally to me. I have been taught to do that by my mother while I was growing up.

One fine day, I was travelling on a metro train. I offered my seat to a lady who had a huge bag with her, and my intentions were pure. She showed me her temper, saying she didn’t need the seat. The manner in which she spoke struck me as exceedingly disrespectful. When one of the passengers stood up, she raced to the seat and even argued with another elderly lady who had come from behind to take the seat. In fact, the elderly lady was more entitled to the seat. I gladly offered her my seat, which she graciously took and thanked me for.

This incident genuinely moved me and got me to reflect. My intentions were genuine, but perhaps my approach of offering her the seat was not the best? Or perhaps the rude lady had a fight with her boss/boyfriend/husband, I don’t know. I have several stories like these where I felt that people are killing courtesies and chivalry.

Call or Meet Someone for just Having Conversation

I understand that the times have changed. When information is only a few finger types away, everyone’s lives become busier, which is fine.

Before there were streaming services or even the internet, people were often used to having a great time with their families and friends. They still do, but now it’s ‘Netflix and chill’.

Now, if you call or meet someone and don’t ask for a favour within the first ten minutes, they’ll wonder why you bothered to contact them at all. Why didn’t you just send a text?

I understand people work extremely hard throughout the week to spend quality time with their family at the weekend. Hence, if you have a call with them, they expect you to hang up as soon as possible. This was not the case a few years back.

I am sure that I can’t be the only one who feels this way. I am pretty sure people with more experience than me, would relate to these points more and they would have more things to say and more comparisons to make between now and then.

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