In the 1960s, the Sisters of Mercy in Vicksburg, when seeing a child who’d not been taught one of the basics at home, often could be heard saying, “God bless him, … ” or “God bless her, she has no home training.”

More than 40 years later, the words “no home training” could not be more appropriate.  No, it’s not just the pants on the ground thing; it’s people of all ages, genders, races and economic categories.

Have a walk through a discount store or a high-end store, any one of them, and have a gander at the people, young and old, in hair curlers, pajama pants, underwear worn as outerwear. Then look at the plethora of ugly, provocative and sometimes nasty tattoos that seem to cover more and more inches of skin every day.

And why does anyone want to show that circle of flab that jiggles between the tops of the pants and the bottom of the shirts? In this state, the most obese in the nation, it’s just not attractive by any standards that would reflect true home training.

Take it away from the human body, and look — and listen — to the cars. Just how loud can the vulgar lyrics get? What’s the point of it? Could the drivers and passengers not hear it if it were only a few decibels lower? Must we all listen?

Then, there are the cell phones and those little devices in people’s ears that make the people wearing them sound as if they’re talking to themselves. Is immediate — and public — communication truly that necessary?

These are just a few of today’s indicators that self-respect is, at best, at a modicum.

Arguably, the Sisters of Mercy are more modest, quiet and respectful than a great part of society, but maybe their lessons could be taken to heart today. Look around, but look in the mirror first.

If you’re in place to set an example for the next generation, remember there’s nothing like good old home training.