The Impatient Generation
Judy Ramsook
October 21, 2006
Some people adhere to the old adage that ‘patience is a virtue.’ That may be true for certain things or aspects of life, it might depend on what one is supposed to be patient about, or waiting for.
Before the computer and internet age, a person communicating with another via what is known as snail mail, placed a letter in the mailbox and did not mind waiting a few days before he/she received a response from the recepient of that letter. Today, it is not uncommon to hear some one utter a few choice words if his snail mail letter is not met with a quick reply, for some people in our midst belong to what I have chosen to label The Impatient Generation.
No matter what kind of service some one is a part of, the customer or recepient expects prompt and efficient attention.
Sometimes if that is not quick enough, the customer or recepient might become a little dissatisfied, agitated and in some cases, even annoyed. No one seems to want to wait for anything or anyone anymore.
They are all too busy rushing off somewhere or nowhere. The heart of the matter is, everyone knows he/she is important and demands to be treated as such the moment he/she steps out of his home and goes into a retail outlet, government agency, place of employment or restaurant for service.
And it could be that self important way some people feel about themselves that is responsible for all that impatience.
Others say it’s technology or the computer age. We instant message, text message or email some one and receive an immediate reply. Also, some of us type and talk fast, so it is only natural to want instant service wherever and whenever applicable.
Sometimes I practise a little patience although it might depend on what it is I am waiting for. For I could also be a part of the Impatient Generation group when it comes to certain matters or services.
Patience Is A Virtue.’ Actually, I don’t hear too many people using that adage these days, or it could be that patience might be a lost virtue.
Just something to think about next time you find yourself in a little reverie at the red light and the impatient person in the vehicle behind you honks his/her horn signaling you to speed up.
Before the computer and internet age, a person communicating with another via what is known as snail mail, placed a letter in the mailbox and did not mind waiting a few days before he/she received a response from the recepient of that letter. Today, it is not uncommon to hear some one utter a few choice words if his snail mail letter is not met with a quick reply, for some people in our midst belong to what I have chosen to label The Impatient Generation.
No matter what kind of service some one is a part of, the customer or recepient expects prompt and efficient attention.
Sometimes if that is not quick enough, the customer or recepient might become a little dissatisfied, agitated and in some cases, even annoyed. No one seems to want to wait for anything or anyone anymore.
They are all too busy rushing off somewhere or nowhere. The heart of the matter is, everyone knows he/she is important and demands to be treated as such the moment he/she steps out of his home and goes into a retail outlet, government agency, place of employment or restaurant for service.
And it could be that self important way some people feel about themselves that is responsible for all that impatience.
Others say it’s technology or the computer age. We instant message, text message or email some one and receive an immediate reply. Also, some of us type and talk fast, so it is only natural to want instant service wherever and whenever applicable.
Sometimes I practise a little patience although it might depend on what it is I am waiting for. For I could also be a part of the Impatient Generation group when it comes to certain matters or services.
Patience Is A Virtue.’ Actually, I don’t hear too many people using that adage these days, or it could be that patience might be a lost virtue.
Just something to think about next time you find yourself in a little reverie at the red light and the impatient person in the vehicle behind you honks his/her horn signaling you to speed up.
Print
Email
