Perhaps the competition and animosity among us has increased so much that we subconsciously treat each other poorly. We do live in one of the most self-centered cities on Earth, which probably doesn't help. Its sad to think that we are a generation that has lost respect for the wisdom of our elders or lost appreciation for the knowledge of scholars. The fact that an individual teaches at one of the nation's most respected universities should be enough to command your attention, and I agree with professors who stop their lectures to humiliate snoozing or chatting students. Professors deserve our complete, uninterrupted attention.
Students are particularly rude to professors who lack proficiency in English.
While I have to agree that a language barrier can be frustrating, I am sickened by the ridicule and laughter that comes from some students. These professors are just as deserving of respect as those who speak English perfectly, and students should strive to work through language problems by asking questions and depending on other students when a word or phrase is pronounced poorly or is completely unrecognizable. Laughing and joking only adds to the confusion. Perhaps it is because our lectures are so large that we don't find it necessary to be on our best behavior. Students find it unlikely that a professor will remember their faces, or that they will be recognized as the single most rude student in a lecture hall of 300 people.