OUR VIEW: Common courtesy not so common

We live in a world where rudeness is considered entertaining – as demonstrated by the popularity of Simon on “American Idol” and Anne Richardson, the former host of “Weakest Link.” Audiences applaud contestants on reality shows who speak their mind without restraint.

But outside of Hollywood, courtesy should still be a trait to be proud of.

The Aggie Shuttle drivers have a lot to put up with some days – students upset that they’re late for class, students who refuse to move to the back of the bus to make room for the 20 people waiting at the next stop, the tediousness of driving around and around without any thanks. Why not use a little common courtesy and move back when the driver says to? And when you get off at your stop, thank him or her. It’s surprising how much a little “thank you” can improve someone’s day.

It’s also easy to show courtesy to people expressing views you disagree with. Rather than mocking them, interrupting them or flatly rejecting anything they say, listen. You don’t have to agree with them, but be as polite to them as you want them to be to you.

And what about professors? The ones that work as hard, if not harder, than their students? If a professor writes a helpful comment on your paper or offers to meet with you outside of class for extra tutoring, thank them. It may be their job, but appreciate them for doing it well.

In many respects, courtesy is a lost art. Let’s be the ones who restore it.