When did we become so unfriendly?

Every morning, I take both my daughters to school.  First up is Emma, whom I walk to school before 8:00.  Her school is only about 200 yards from our home but we have to walk around the front to get in so it takes a bit longer.  Along the way, I pass between five and ten other parents walking their children.  As I pass them, I always try to make eye contact with them and say hello.  I was always tought that this is good manners.  To be sure, about 75% respond favorably.  However, many make an effort to avoid eye contact or to ignore me altogether.  Why?  Do I look funny?  Are they afraid of me?  Are they so overwhelmed with their own problems that they can not perceive what's going on around them?  Are they socially inept?

The problem is even worse at my toddler's school.  I get her there by 9:00 in the morning and since the children are even younger, it is predominantely the mothers who take their children to school.  At least half the parents there make no effort to interact whatsoever.  They look stressed and unapproachable.  Even many of the smiling moms will look the other way as I approach to avoid any interaction at all.  I simply don't understand it.  What happened to community?  If you are one of the parents dropping off your kids, please make an effort one day to notice the other parents around you.  Who knows, maybe one day you may wish to say hello.