![Jeanne Christie, M.Ed., Ph.D. Jeanne Christie M.Ed., Ph.D.](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/profile_teaser_small/public/-1_26.jpg?itok=o2WvSFje)
The recent holiday season has, once again, raised a communication concern that I have thought about on several levels during the past year--the lack of respect in communication today. My apprehension solidified when I noticed the number of holiday greeting cards that were addressed to Susie and Sam versus the more formal traditional Mr. and Mrs. Even though I understand the current changes in family structure to include blended family issues and spouses retaining their name, it does make me wonder about the loss of communication respect. From another communication perspective to the more complex organizational dynamics with families This is an incomplete sentence. What about the change from one to another? A natural phenomenon, children hear their parents speaking to someone using their first names and in turn, they start referring to the older individuals by their first names.
What has changed is the older person and parent’s acceptance of this shift in dynamics. Prior to this change, it was most likely that the adult would correct the child and as a result, preserve the respect. The issue of respect in communication is equally evident in the media when the National Anthem is played. No longer do men, women, and children stand respectfully until the music is done but carry on side conversations and even break their respectful silence while the last few stanzas are played. Hooting and whistling is a non-verbal lack of respect and a clear communication message. Yet another example of the lack of respect, is the use of the cell phone in public spaces. People carry on conversations with those on the phone in complete disrespect to those people who they are interacting with face to face. Not everyone wants to hear another person’s conversation as they wander up and down aisles or checkout at a store. Where has the communication respect gone? Is it dead or just generationally changed? If the latter, what will the level of communication respect be in another two generations?