Wots Rude: Overview : SBS Insight

Overview

Have we lost our manners?

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For some, it's fine to use their mobile on public transport; for others it’s intrusive. One man's effective, clear text message is another's abrupt missive. Confusion seems to have replaced the once-rigid rules surrounding dating.

Are we really ruder than we used to be? Or are the rules of social engagement simply adapting to modern life? What are the new boundaries in terms of new technology usage? Are good manners the casualty of a drive to teach our children self-esteem?

Insight raises its pinky finger, straightens its back and attempts to define some modern guidelines for the home, work, school and a date.

Meet the Guests

James Valentine

James Valentine presents radio segment The Form Guide each week on 702 ABC in Sydney, as part of his daily afternoon shift. It is a forum for listeners to ask and answer modern-day dilemmas about sticky social problems. The segment has spawned a book, The Form Guide – The Customs of the Contemporary World.

Natalie Reynolds

In her role as the head of the Group Training Division for MEGT, Natalie Reynolds and her team employ over 900 apprentices and trainees throughout Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. Natalie and her field officers are noticing some changes in the manners of their job applicants.

Professor Peter Saunders

Professor Peter Saunders is Social Research Director at the Centre for Independent Studies. He was Professor of Sociology at the University of Sussex in England and was Research Manager at the Australian Institute of Family Studies. He is co-author of the report, Six Questions About Civility, published in 2002.

Jean Walker

Jean Walker recently retired after four years as the Australian Education Union Tasmanian Branch President. Jean is a mother of three boys and has extensive experience working with children with over 40 years experience in the classroom.

Chaise Musal, Mark Bloomfield and Soleh Coster

Chaise, Mark and Soleh are friends who live in Wollongong. They say they are well-mannered but feel they are sometimes pre-judged by others – particularly older people - based on their appearance.