The Lost Art of "Excuse me, Sir?"

There is a new trend emerging amid retail venues across Orange County, leaving one to ponder, "Whatever happened to the good ol' days when strangers were courteous and respectful?" The retail employee was greeted with a "Hello Sir" or "Excuse me, Sir. Could you help me find this item?"
Somehow, some way, those salutations have turned in to whistling, yelling, or simply waving. The single most infuriating way to hail an employee is putting a finger in the air as if pointing to the ceiling. Message to retail customers everywhere: You will receive optimal service from said employee if you treat them as though they are another human being: Not a servant, but an actual, air breathing, English/Spanish speaking, stranger-respecting individual.
The image the customer puts forth by waving a finger in the air immediately makes the employee not want to give his or her best effort in assisting you. The idea that the customer is whistling and putting his/her finger up because they don't speak English is like trying to put a fire out with a dry piece of wood.
And while on the topic of asking for help, this new breed of those who stamp their foot and simply stare as though their thoughts are broadcast over the loud speaker is just mind-boggling. Believe it or not, as a customer you may need to actually inform an employee you need help. Contrary to popular belief, the staff cannot see every corner of the store at all times like a fly on the wall. We all have two eyes that point forward (Crazy concept, right?). So, do the working class a favor, and use your words like a grown-up!