When did the world change?

I don't want to sound like every one of our own parents and grand parents when I say that things were different when I was younger. Firstly because it is cringe worthy and secondly and more importantly because I am only of the unripened age of twenty nine but news reports from the last year are truly worrying.

The social cohesion of the western world looks to be falling apart at the seams at a basic level when elderly shop assistants get punched in the face on Christmas eve for asking to see a purchase receipt and the inhabitants of London are rioting beyond control, be it a minority of the population.

Are people so disassociated with each other that we cant even be civil anymore? How hard is it to think for a while and look at the bigger picture?

I am not a social saint but in a time when everyone seems to be addicted to social networking no one looks to be willing to reach out and affirm the connections we are making with the smallest gestures.

Come on, give a little. Just a smile, especially at Christmas!