The person may have been trying to be funny? From your post I would assume not, just being a smart azz.
Over all you are correct. Things like manners, respect, kindness, etc. aren't taught or demanded any longer. In fact it is frowned upon if you demand them. Society in general has been dumbed down,. The nuns aren't allowed to slap the teeth out of your mouth any longer, Neither is your dad. There was a time when mom said "wait till your father gets home". Huh! now you're a lucky kid if you know who your father is.
Respect, manners etc. aren't taught or demanded any longer. There was a time people strove to be better. Now it is a race to the bottom.
My daughters mother and I have been separated many, many years. I have spent most her (my daughters) life in family court. Mind you my opponent was not my Ex but the "system". So any way, after years of battle I some what prevailed. I regained 50/50 time and I am the custodial parent. I believe in proper etiquette, speech, manners, and so on. One of my pet peeves is chewing with your mouth open, speaking with food in your mouth, not placing your napkin on your lap and holding your utensils properly.
So just two weeks ago we are out to breakfast. My daughter is holding her fork on the third finger down and backward. Now we have been through this countless times. So I watch, and I watch, and I watch to see if she corrects it. Finally I tell her to stop eating and look at the way she is holding her fork and to hold it properly. She explodes and says You ruin every meal. That's how I hold it.
Now get off my frickin lawn
EDIT: That was the end of breakfast. I got the check and we left. Don't hold the fork properly and you won't eat.
I told you to get off my Frickin lawn.