According to a recent Rasmussen poll, 75% of adults say Americans are getting ruder. I am not so sure. I think Americans have always been quite rude and I see no increase in that regard. Oddly, 10% say Americans are getting nicer while 15% aren't sure.
I have to disagree with that 10% and shake my head at that 15%. Why do we have so many that cannot get a clue? I mean, this is opinion and they have none. I might get a little rude with them. All they were asked to do is think about the interactions they have had with other Americans and form an opinion.
According to this report, 75% Say Americans Are Getting Ruder, there's a lot of rudeness out there and it is growing daily.
Contrary to popular belief, the rudest folks I have come into contact with have been those laid back Californians (L.A. area, northern Californians were generally nice). And, oddly enough, the friendliest I have met have been New Yorkers.
It's really all about who considers himself more important than anyone else. And we all know people like that. We may all feel that way occasionally. The truly rude feel that way all the time. We also refer to these people as celebrities.
And, to be fair, I don't mind a little rudeness now and then. Sometimes it is justified. People who are rude deserve a response in kind. I have often been quite willing to do that. I have had people be rude to me when I have perhaps stepped out of line. My skin is pretty thick, I can handle it.
However, I absolutely hate rudeness is when it is directed toward customers. I don't care how rude the customer gets, it is much better to treat him (or her) in a gentle manner. It will help reduce the tension, calm the customer, and de-escalate the situation. Or, failing that, drive the rude boor crazy. I especially like the latter.
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3 comments:
Henry Thoreau thought we could choke on courtesy.
Here in Northern California, I find people generally courteous, especially when I ask first how they are doing.
Lots of stress and too many people promote rudeness, in my view, so the urban centers can be the worst.
Cheri (the incredibly polite), you will note that I exempted northern Californians. Actually, I find that the norm is courtesy to strangers, to customers, and to casual acquaintances. Perhaps it is our own rudeness that is being rewarded (as I hinted at) more often than we'd acknowledge. In other words, a bit of projection going on.
Henry Thoreau thought we could choke on courtesy.
Here in Northern California, I find people generally courteous, especially when I ask first how they are doing.
Lots of stress and too many people promote rudeness, in my view, so the urban centers can be the worst.
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