Nowadays, most of us prefer to send text messages rather than call someone on the phone. If we observe at our own lives, most of our communications occur via Kakaotalk or WhatsApp. We rarely make phone calls. This may be the case if we feel uncomfortable communicating face to face, but I don’t this is the only reason.
I think the main reasons are due to efficiency and consideration for the other person. There will be times when we will want to talk to someone, but at the same time, we do not want to trouble or interrupt them at an inconvenient time. So we often leave a text message and wait for their response. With text messages, we can also take our time in choosing our words carefully before sending. This helps us to prevent mistakes in communication, which may occur when speaking spontaneously.
Even though more communications now occur by text, there are still circumstances where we have to meet and communicate face to face. However, as we become less exposed to direct forms of communication, we are becoming more sensitive to rude behaviours. Not only do we care about the content of the message, but we also place great importance on how the message is being communicated and the attitude of the other person.
Tough men may have appealed in the past, but that is no longer the case. For instance, politicians who use harsh words or speak in a rough tone do not find favour with the public, even if they are clearly capable. People’s hearts quickly turn away from them. This is particularly true for younger generations.
Recently, there’s a heavy metal singer who is gaining popularity in ‘Sing Again’ (a Korean singing audition TV program). As you would expect from a heavy metal singer, he sings very powerfully on stage. However, when he’s off stage, he speaks in a calm manner and is very sweet and caring to those around him.
In the latest episode, he made a mistake near the end of his performance. All the judges assumed that this was intentional and part of the performance. However, immediately after his performance, he naively admitted that he had made a mistake. Everyone was charmed by his humble attitude.
Through seeing the viewer’s reactions, I was reminded again on how people place great importance on good manners and treating everyone with respect. The young generation are attracted not only to those with great skills and abilities, but also to those who are humble and kind-hearted. I hope to be someone who is truly considerate and respectful towards everyone through all my actions and words. Not just outwardly doing so, but in the way Jesus asked us to “consider others better than ourselves in humility”.
“Love is patient, love is kind… It is not rude.” (1 Cor 13:4-5)
