The interview with Eugenia Hartley in Global Culture gives us an interesting look at how culture has changed in the southern United States since she was a child. Through her memories, we can understand how family life, behavior, and values have changed over time.
- Hartley remembers that dinner time used to be a special moment when the whole family sat together, talked politely, and dressed nicely. Today, many families don’t eat together anymore, and kids often eat snacks or fast food alone, which changes how families connect.
- She also talks about how dating has changed. When she was young, parents were very strict, and girls couldn’t date until they were sixteen. Now, she sees that boys and girls start dating at a much younger age, and there is less control from parents.
- Lastly, she says that children used to speak to adults with a lot of respect, using words like “sir” or “ma’am” and calling them Mr. or Mrs. Today, many children use first names, which she thinks shows less respect.
These changes show how modern life has affected family traditions, social behavior, and respect for others.