Most teens have been taught to be polite, say please and thank you, be kind and considerate of others. Although politeness should be noticeable in everyday behavior, too many teens in the current generation do not always act politely.

Media, especially reality TV, is a major influence on society. Statistics show that the more obnoxious an individual or group the more people watch. While adults may think this kind of behavior is laughable and think little of it, impressionable teens may consider these actions acceptable.

In these regrettable circumstances, politeness has been lost. Many times teenagers do not use appropriate language or behavior in public, disregarding what is acceptable and what may offend others.

Still, those who do good or behave well exist. Many teenagers are polite. Articles on the Internet and in newspapers show people doing random acts of kindness.

Why, though, are simple polite acts so rare that it surprises people so much? Unfortunately, rudeness too often overshadows those who are polite.

Manners are taught but unfortunately too often are viewed as old-fashioned. Teenagers need to take politeness seriously. Many adults, including future employers, still consider it a necessity.