Has communication in America got more harsh recently?

[Conversationist]

The other day I was watching the cable TV channel TVLand. It shows all kinds of old television programs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. I was watching Andy Griffith and Leave it to Beaver. If these television shows indicated the era from when the shows were produced, it is an interesting study of harsh changes of the American culture.

Everything from these old TV shows just seemed more gentle and caring. The kids respected their parents, the themes simple, more believable and the writing excellent.

Now days I flip the TV channel and I see the Republicans and Democrats on CNN and FOXNEWS screaming at each other, constantly talking over each other. Their responses to questions are always at the extreme and they never give the other side the matter of the doubt. The loud attacks on both John Kerry and President Bush are sharp and overly harsh. The TV comedies have kids that disrespect their parents or live in a huge apartment in New York City while working as a low wage worker. The same 10 commericals play on TV over and over with loud offensive music.

Please tell me this is just TV and most people in the real world are still warm , caring, and thoughful in their daily communication.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Sadly, it's not just TV. You should hear the people in my office argue politics. It's downright scary.

But again, in the 1950's I don't think everyone's life was all peachy keen like was portrayed in the shows of the era.

 

[Bob Slydell]

 

[Maleficent13]

Please tell me this is just TV and most people in the real world are still warm , caring, and thoughful in their daily communication.

Most people in the real world are still warm, caring, and thoughtful in their daily communication.

Is that all you needed?

 

[Paradise]

Have you ever heard that a fish rots from the head? Well, it all starts with the leadership of this country. Time for change.

 

[grinningghost]

I agree with the OP. Despite the fact that 50's TV doesn't show all the bad stuff that was going on then, things have changed for the worse. Back then, people had good manners, or at least they were used more often in a more effective way.

People today are so impatient. That's why those TV talking heads scream over each other. 30 seconds to the next "break" - gotta get my 2 cents in before Hannity cuts me off.

It's all about ME. Everyone is so out for number one that they forget there are other people in the world. It's really sad.