Civility—the basic courtesy and respect we show one another—feels like it’s slipping away in everyday life, according to many Los Angeles residents. From casual encounters on the street to interactions in public spaces, a growing number of people believe that polite behavior and common decency are becoming less common.
Several factors contribute to this perception. Some point to the fast pace of modern life and the distractions of technology, which can make people less aware of those around them. Others highlight the increasingly polarized social and political climate, which can fuel tension and reduce empathy between individuals. Whatever the cause, the result is a sense that the simple acts of kindness and respect that once marked daily interactions are fading.
This decline in civility can have real consequences. When people feel ignored, disrespected, or dehumanized, it can erode trust and community bonds. It also affects how children learn to treat others, potentially perpetuating a cycle of incivility. Some residents worry that without a conscious effort to restore these values, society may become more fragmented and less compassionate.
Despite these concerns, many individuals remain committed to practicing civility in their own lives. They emphasize the importance of small gestures—saying “thank you,” acknowledging others, and treating people with kindness regardless of the circumstances. For them, civility is not just about manners but about affirming the dignity of every person.
The question remains: Is civility truly becoming a thing of the past, or is it simply evolving in new ways? While opinions vary, one thing is clear—there is a strong desire among many Angelenos to see respect and kindness return to the forefront of daily life.
Voices from Los Angeles:
“It’s definitely dead. The state that the world is in at the moment, we kind of don’t even see each other as human beings deserving of basic rights anymore.”
—Chyanne Talbert, Los Angeles
“Yes. People used to say excuse me, thank you, pardon me, acknowledge that you’re standing there. Not anymore.”
—Mya Stewart, Los Angeles
“For me, it’s very important. If someone gives me something, I’ll say thank you or have a blessed day. It was something that I was brought up to do.”
—Carolyn Willis Atkins, Los Angeles
“There’s no civility at the highest echelons, so … people don’t feel they have to do it anymore. Unfortunately, we’re not even raising our kids to be civil.”
—Angelo Willis, Los Angeles
Compiled by Cynthia Gibson in Windsor Hills and Culver City.
