This by far, has to be my favorite story of the day. There appears to be a scientific explanation for why older people say whatever is on their mind. At first, I thought it was because they had lived long enough to earn the privilege or they just didn't give a damn anymore. But this Australian researcher seems to think it's because a part of their brain is shrinking. Apparently, as people age, their frontal lobes atrophy and people begin to lose social skills. The researcher even went so far as to suggest that's why older people seem to have fewer qualms about making racist remarks than younger people do. So now I know why my grandmother has no problem telling me when I've gained or lost weight. Or why my uncle once told an ex-boyfriend of mine that he had "a mouth like a gator" (he had a lot of teeth and a wide smile). But before you try to use this as a license to say whatever you want, keep in mind, the researcher didn't identify at what age this begins. So watch out, someone may not take too kindly to your crass comments, just because you're older than them.
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Comments (2)
Well Neil there was a time we learned that from home. In public education academics are put aside and teachers now have to address this.
Just another example of how lazy parents are.
Posted by Paul Young | October 17, 2007 12:17 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 00:17
Tonya:
I have enjoyed your article and watch your morning newscast before going on to work.
This is my opinion, but it seems that most of our society has become downright rude.There have been polls out that back up my theory how Americans have become more outspoken and even boarding on lacking social skills.
And your article is right...a good number of times our older generation fits the scenerio. I can remember in my grandparents days how honorable that era of people were.
I am no expert in this field, but it seems that every generation since the Depression have become less graced. Can this be that most have too much?
At any rate...there is no excuse to treat anyone with disrespect. And...let's not forget our young generation; because most parents are afraid to train their children properly, it reflects on the lack of discpline and in turn reflects our society on a daily basis.
I believe that educational institutions should offer course options in ethics, etiquette, and everyday social skills. It would be a step in the right direction.
Neil J. Cacciottolo
Senior Editor
CMN and Community Affairs.
Posted by Neil J. Cacciottolo | October 12, 2007 11:13 AM
Posted on October 12, 2007 11:13