Maybe it’s all those commercials for Viagra and Cialis, telling men that now when they’re ready for action, they can be sure they’re ready for action. Maybe it’s the overload of reality shows, where bachelors make out with lots of women before they pick the one they’d like to marry within just weeks — and after they’ve been with all the others. Maybe it’s the unabashed lack of embarrassment among the Real Housewives as they bare their innermost uglies and their outermost fangs. Maybe it’s just me — but I’m thinking that the art of respecting others and ourselves is suffering greatly due to a lack of interest. And boundaries.

What brought this observation into focus today is the any-minute-now birth of the heir to the British throne (perhaps by the time you read this, His or Her Littlest Highness will have arrived). The fact that the world is totally captivated by Kate Middleton is not a surprise. The fact that so many millions tuned in to see her wed to Prince William is also not a shock (in the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit that I was one of the millions who tuned in to watch the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1981, in the middle of the night East Coast time).

But the hordes of media camping out just outside the hospital door, reporting that Kate is — gasp! — in labor? What exactly are they doing outside the hospital — hoping for a glimpse of the royal delivery? (I wouldn’t put it past anyone in the media to film that moment if given half a chance — “And here we have the royal placenta!”) Apparently, the Queen will be the first told once her great-grandchild has arrived. And then the rest of the world will get the news, delivered via a written announcement outside of Buckingham Palace (and, in a nod to our times, via Twitter). So why is half the world watching TV coverage of the hospital door?

Is there not even an air of discretion or respect in what is reported? In the newscast that put me over the edge this morning, a journalist was explaining the birth process (ohh — is that how it works?). And guessing as to whether Kate would be having a c-section or a vaginal delivery. I don’t know about you, but I think Her Royal Highness deserves better than to have the media speculate on what her doctors see in the speculum.

So here’s my idea. How about if everybody just gives it a rest until Baby Royal is here.

Let’s not all get our nappies in a bunch.

© 2013 Claudia Grossman