Are Americans Rude and Getting more Rude?

[Sanslines]

[Sanslines]

I read an interesting discussion about how rudeness is getting worse in America. I thought that I would ask for opinions on the same topic here. The poll question: Is rudeness increasing in America?

[krcNY]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Sanslines:
I read an interesting discussion about how rudeness is getting worse in America. I thought that I would ask for opinions on the same topic here. The poll question: Is rudeness increasing in America? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I voted for not changing in the past couple years. I think it depends on where you are. I find just as many polite people as I do rude.
Most of the rude ones I run into are teens. If they make a comment or wont move I am to the point of saying "Excuse Me" and they apologize and let me pass. They do know their manners, I think they just forget them for the moment, or they are just having a bad day.

All we can do is raise our families to be courteous and polite.

[Danee]

I feel that rudeness and manners and all of that is definately on the decline in the U.S. I see it often on roads with drivers and in super markets with cashiers and even people in general in line-ups. They really are totally into themselves more and more and service people seem to hate their jobs as they simply, generally speaking I must say, are getting worse at being polite and helpful or even saying thanks. I often say "your welcome" to retail cashiers now when I don't get a smile and thank-you. Sadly, I say that phrase more and more often. Kids? Umm..I disagree. I think kids, like adults, are generally mannered when they are raised with that and it comes from the 'rents. (parents). Other countries..more manners definately and politeness.

-Danee

[takeitontherun]

Very true danee. Heck i was in the public library yesterday and the librarian all but told me i was in the wrong for bringing back the videos considering i wasnt supposed to have as many at a time in one home!! I remained polite, said it was a seperate card, didnt matter, she still sniped at me. I just walked out. Oddly enough, if your return politeness fails and you back off and get out of the situation, you are still the one to appear in the wrong! Accck.

[FireProf]

I began another reply but it was too lengthy to post. This subject has been a sore spot in my neck for quite a while.

To keep it short and sweet, I agree with Danee. From drivers on the road, to people in line, employees at the markets in all stores, everyone is so much more into themselves and it's all about them.

Young people today are more and more impolite and illmannered. Many more people today, young and not so young have taken that saying to heart, "it is all about me."

When you think it's all about you and no one else matters, the end result is Rudeness.

[hm0504]

If people are getting ruder, why do you think that is?

I should add that I do not think the topic need only be about Americans.

[Nu]

Interesting and thought provoking comments on this thread.

My relatives and I have always had the impression that Americans were noticeably more polite than Canadians-especially in the stores, restaurants, and hotels.

So if Americans are deemed to be rude and getting more rude-what does that make us Canadians?

Perhaps, it is a perception thing-regardless of where in the world we live?
Maybe, we are all too hard on ourselves?

[hatesclothes]

Methinks a bit More of personal responsibility is O.K. in our world too....
suppose u c someone littering...Is it being rude to remind them NOT TO?

[Jason Heh]

Well I've been travelling all around America for a year now, I've taken a year off from work, I've come into contact with probably over 1000 different people from all over the country, camping, canoeing, visiting tourist attractions. I've stayed in small towns to big citys.

So far I've met 3 rude people. 1 in Montana, he was drunk and babbling on about me being a tourist, the locals don't care for outsiders....they hate change.

And the other was a couple in Death Valley at a camp ground that where just rude to everyone.

People are rude when driving, but hey... the light is green.....DRIVE!!!!! http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

I said about as rude as ever, no more no less.

[shãybare]

http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif
Yes, of course there is rudeness in America. There is rudeness in every country. But when I stop and think about it, I find most people are polite or non-committal. Rudeness is not in the majority IMHO.

Chilvary begins at home; starting with yourself. As with other things you want to teach your children or others, you must lead by example. Concerning your children, you must not only lead by example but you must insist on manners in your own home.

[need2Bnude]

I have to agree with Danni, I've seen the decline steadily, and try in some way to help remind people that you will be treated as you treat. But, they have to realize it for themselves. I have also noticed that people from other countries into the U.S. are very well mannered. C'mon America, lets stay the best at all things.

My experience is that people are getting more rude and inconsiderate. Of course, there are the polite ones (myself included http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif), but overall rudeness is getting worse.

[kraut4191]

I see it every day and everywhere. Drivers run red lights, cut you off, barge into the space between you and the car ahead even when there is no room, pull out in front of you even though there isn't a car behind you for half a mile. Truck drivers used to be called the "Knights of the Road." Now they (not all) are more concerned with getting to their destination as fast as possible and don't get in their way.
I go shopping mostly late at night when there are fewer customers. So many people are thoughless and careless. They block aisles with their carts, stand in the middle to chat, come charging out of side aisles without looking. In other words there is no consideration for others. Do I sound like a bitter old man? I guess I am because I remember how it used to be.

[naturush]

I really don't know how to reply...The one rude THING that people across the board seem to do, is not cover their mouths when they caugh or sneeze. All ages and levels of education do this. It really p@#$es me off!! http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif Thanks for allowing yet another rant from me.

[MikeJB]

Alot of the people who drive reckless out there need to get their license and cars taken away from them. Its one thing to be rude and inconsiderate when you drive but when that crosses the line into endangering someone's life then that person has no business driving a car or being able to legally do so.

[NakedGary]

Miscellaneous
Topics not covered in other sections but still related to nude recreation.

This thread is being moved to open conversation

[MJ_KC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by takeitontherun:
Very true danee. Heck i was in the public library yesterday and the librarian all but told me i was in the wrong for bringing back the videos considering i wasnt supposed to have as many at a time in one home!! I remained polite, said it was a seperate card, didnt matter, she still sniped at me. I just walked out. Oddly enough, if your return politeness fails and you back off and get out of the situation, you are still the one to appear in the wrong! Accck. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I will be nice to people who are nice to me, but if they go negative I will probably respond by going negative myself.

[Eric6420]

About politeness, I would say that it is a matter of balence and culture. When the Wall Mart opened near my town a few years ago (in French Quebec), there was a man at the door of the store just to welcome the custumers, by saying things like "Welcome to Wall Mart and have a wonderfull day".

The problem with that is that, in our culture, such a job is humiliating and considered not really usefull, so the shoppers at Wall Mart did not like that attitude that seems servile and humiliating.

Today, the Wall Mart catch up with our French culture and the guy at the door simply ask if we want a caddy. They also advertise with French cartoons and French music...


On the other hand, radio programs like Michael Savage would not be tolerated in Canada and even less in Quebec.

[Bob S.]

This question can be based on a bad day, how rude you are, or what you are looking for.

I don't think rudeness has changed significantly in the US or the world. I do think there are more possibilities to be rude. The proliferation of cell phones led to cell-phone manners and of course, rudeness. The internet led to cyber manners and of course, cyber rudeness.

But has the percentage of people for whom these new rules changed? I don't think so.

Bob S.

[S.M.A.]

To make a long story short- we're Americans! We've always had a chip on our shoulders!

Stuart http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[nimrod]

I live in what was a small town, there were many people, but the over all feel was small town, I did not expreiance much rudeness, but now the town has grown, and with it the rudeness of the people, it is like a contagion, I find myself becoming rude, mostly when driving, but I have to watch how I react to the people who are being rude, which is hard when you get flipped off by the person that just cut you off.

[takeitontherun]

The worst and saddest is how young it starts. I substitute middle school kids and oh my lord!!! They literally look like they could kill you and not care! They know the teachers cant do anything to them so they dont care and it shows and they will be our leaders someday. Acccckk!!

[Kenv]

Could increasing rudeness be the same thing as lowered social standards? Because I believe that there has been a significant lowering of social standards.

Its due to the fact that my generation has allowed it, and even encouraged it. Parents nowadays are much more liberal than ever before. Authorities and legislators, and rule makers, and entertainment industry leaders have lowered the line of acceptability.

Example; I don't think the leaders of the entertainment industry (including the FCC)should allow a no class bum like Howard Stern on the air.
We don't need him/that to make life and our society rewarding.

[Tampanude]

Rude is boring. I treat it like bad weather. I can't control other attitudes, just my own.


Nude defeats rude.. every time http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[NakedGary]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"><span class="ev_code_PURPLE">Are Americans Rude and Getting more Rude? </div></BLOCKQUOTE></span>

<span class="ev_code_RED">Yes!</span>

Example:

[dancin\'bare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Tampanude:
Rude is boring. I treat it like bad weather. I can't control other attitudes, just my own.


Nude defeats rude.. every time http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Can you make it rain?

[florida-david]

ken v states --- "I don't think the leaders of the entertainment industry (including the FCC)should allow a no class bum like Howard Stern on the air. We don't need him/that to make life and our society rewarding."

It is called free-speech, if you don't like Howard Stern, than don't listen. I personally think he is immature, so I don't listen or watch his show. Generally the people who like him have not been my friends, but I respect what he is doing to protect free speech. I even sometimes agree with him politically. People often want to restrict people from doing something cause they do not agree; this is the same attitude that people have to say us nudists should be locked up (or restrict us from sending our kids to camps of our choice). How dare us get naked when the rest of the civilized world is clothed. Luckily the FCC is out to protect American rights, not take them (well except lately, ala the Janet Jackson tit incident).

Anyways, in Ft. Lauderdale, people were incredibly polite directly after Hurricane Wilma, but I knew it was temporary. People are as rude as ever again. I think that our local culture is too large and people feel they can do whatever they want cause no one is there to straighten them out. Would you cut off a driver going too slow (and give her the finger) if that driver is your grandma or your elderly neighbor? Would kids act up in school if they knew their parents or aunts or uncles was going to smack them into shape? Where the hell are parents, aren't we supposed to know what is going on with our kids?

You can blame rudeness on loss of religious belief, crumbling societal values, blah, blah, etc, etc. The truth is, no one cares anymore and people can do whatever the heck they want. Our society instills in kids early to get away with things if possible (as long as you don't get caught). There are no checks nor balance.

Sorry, i am annoyed that our culture is so rude. Make love not war, give peace a chance, celebrate John Lennon's 25 years since his murder....

[Ren]

When I've been in foreign countries, I've tried not to let on too much about being American. We should watch our compatriots overseas - it's like bulls in a china shop. Loud, demanding, and not even attempting to speak the local language. It's embarrassing.

I honestly don't know where the blame lies, but I think it's a little bit of everything in our culture --- from left and right --- that glorifies vapidity and cheating as a way to get to the top.

[nacktman]

Yes, let's make love not war and give peace a chance.

Ren, I too have found it easier when travelling about outside of the country to simply not tell any I was an American. Having seen the boorish, loutish behavior of quite a few of my countrymen and the negative reactions it engenders I simply went my way interacting with the local citizens by trying to act in the socialbly accepted manner where I was.

Speaking the native language is one of the best ways to get to know people and them to know you. I was never in a place for long before that everyone knew I was an American, but because I attempted to honor local customs (with varying degrees of success), I was viewed as a nice person and not as a "rude American".

Yes, Americans are rude and getting more rude to ourselves and to the rest of the world. It may be hokey to some but those of us raised as Southern Gentlemen (which are a dying breed), manners and ethics mean something.

[missouriboy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">...in Ft. Lauderdale, people were incredibly polite directly after Hurricane Wilma, but I knew it was temporary. People are as rude as ever again. I think that our local culture is too large and people feel they can do whatever they want... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I've long felt that population density is a factor in rudeness. When people's personal "space" is limited they unconsciously become defensive, and rudeness can be a component of that.

If you're alternately in dense and sparse areas, watch for it and see if you sense it too.

[nimrod]

I needed to rant for awhile about the rudeness of others because I notice that I am becomming more and more angry every time that I am on the road. Today a old lady gave me a dirty look because I blocked two feet of a driveway and she had to make a sharp turn instead of a gentle turn into that driveway, and I had allready moved as far forward as I could so it would be easier for her to get into that driveway, well she was going to a pharmacy, maybe she was out of whatever pill that stops her from being rude. Last week I stopped in a parking lot to let someone out of their parking spot, unfortunatly it was in front of the door of the gorcery store, a man started grumbling to wife and shaking his head because he had to walk around my truck, he was so preoccupied being mad at me he never noticed that I was being polite to the lady backing out of her spot.

Okay I feel a little better.

[Tampanude]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Sorry, i am annoyed that our culture is so rude. Make love not war, give peace a chance, celebrate John Lennon's 25 years since his murder....

peace, love one another, have nude fun </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well put.. If the UN had to meet nude the sincerity would overcome posturing, image related bias. The world needs more nudity to even the playing field.

Bundle yourself up in clothes to hide your "shame" and beat women who don't and look what happens......the only passion that results is hatred and violence in the name of a religious prophet.

Wow. Was that me? Sorry for the rant

[shomymojo]

I have noticed that Nudists seem to be among the nicest people you could ever meet...JMHO

[Garry]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nimrod:
I needed to rant for awhile about the rudeness of others because I notice that I am becomming more and more angry every time that I am on the road. Today a old lady gave me a dirty look because I blocked two feet of a driveway and she had to make a sharp turn instead of a gentle turn into that driveway, and I had allready moved as far forward as I could so it would be easier for her to get into that driveway, well she was going to a pharmacy, maybe she was out of whatever pill that stops her from being rude. Last week I stopped in a parking lot to let someone out of their parking spot, unfortunatly it was in front of the door of the gorcery store, a man started grumbling to wife and shaking his head because he had to walk around my truck, he was so preoccupied being mad at me he never noticed that I was being polite to the lady backing out of her spot.

Okay I feel a little better. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've seen it to. What gets me is now that I need a handicap parking spot that is van accessible, I see other handicap vehicles (cars that don't need them esp.) taking up van only spaces and parking in the van loading zones. I thought the handicap were more curtious, guess I was wrong.

Jr.

[nimrod]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Garry:
I've seen it to. What gets me is now that I need a handicap parking spot that is van accessible, I see other handicap vehicles (cars that don't need them esp.) taking up van only spaces and parking in the van loading zones. I thought the handicap were more curtious, guess I was wrong.

Jr. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

What is worse is the people who are not hadicaped, that use the cars of people who are handicaped just to get the closer space, or worse still are those who use handicaped spots, without any indication of being handicaped.

My uncle parked behind someone parked in a handicaped spot who was not handicaped, called the cops, and stayed parked there until they showed up. The guy was pissed, but my aunt who needed it was unable to use it because of his rudeness, so my uncle thought to teach him a lesson.

[nacktman]

nimrod I had some fool do the same thing to me when I parked to pick up my wife from the doctor's office and it cost him over $5,000.00 and a felony criminal record to haunt him the rest of his life.

I do not need the handicapped parking but my wife does. This idiot thought because I could immediately jump out of my car and run into the building I had no buisness parking in a handicapped space even with a placard clearly on display. He parked behind me and called police.

Much to the fool's surprise the police arrested him and impounded his vehicle when they arrived. He was found guilty of causing a public distrubance, unlawful dentention, willful endangerment and illegal parking.

So, don't assume someone parking in the handicapped space has no right or reason to do so ... that is rudeness

[Garry]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nacktman:
nimrod I had some fool do the same thing to me when I parked to pick up my wife from the doctor's office and it cost him over $5,000.00 and a felony criminal record to haunt him the rest of his life.

I do not need the handicapped parking but my wife does. This idiot thought because I could immediately jump out of my car and run into the building I had no buisness parking in a handicapped space even with a placard clearly on display. He parked behind me and called police.

Much to the fool's surprise the police arrested him and impounded his vehicle when they arrived. He was found guilty of causing a public distrubance, unlawful dentention, willful endangerment and illegal parking.

So, don't assume someone parking in the handicapped space has no right or reason to do so ... that is rudeness </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have a friend who's mother uses handicap parking but doesn't drive and my freind won't park in a space if he is driving. He figures as long as he can walk, why not drop her off at the front door, park in a regular spot and meet his mother inside.

I have no arguments with people who use the handicap spots as long as they realize there is a reason for the loading zones. That is unless they want my lift sitting on their hood or against the cab of the vehicle.

Jr.

[nacktman]

Garry there is no parking in front of the building for drop off or pick up, no stopping is allowed. You have to park away from the building and walk into it (9/11 hysteria) which makes it hard for anyone who is in ill health let alone handicapped to access their doctor's offices. The nearest handicapped space is 150 feet from the building.

The rude butinski in question was a pain in several driver's posteriors and lucky he was only arrested and not given the chance to see the inside of the freezer at the mourge from a horizontal position ... you do not rant and rave at a group of Southern Boys when they are attending to their wives, girlfriends, daughters or mothers especially if you are from Brooklyn, New York ... and he was ... (there are some stereotypes that do ring true) ... they don't hit someone with a shotgun blast by "accident" like the VP and those racks behind the seat of the truck don't hold umbrellas you know.

[karrenlandry]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by shomymojo:
I have noticed that Nudists seem to be among the nicest people you could ever meet...JMHO </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I've heard this too--it seems to be in every brochure and magazine promoting nudism. While I have met many friendly, welcoming, and openminded individuals at nude gatherings, I find we can't drop our attitudes with our clothes. If someone's a jerk in jeans and tee shirt or a business suit, chances are s/he will be a jerk naked, too. I've met all kinds nude, just as in textile society.

Why do I find it more jarring when a racist, bigoted, or just plain rude statement falls out of a nudist's mouth? Does the lack of clothing imply innocence, or is the remark sharply in contrast to the relaxed mood of most nudist gatherings, or have I been brainwashed by the 'Nudists are the friendliest people" line, or what?

karrenlandry

[nimrod]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nacktman:
nimrod I had some fool do the same thing to me when I parked to pick up my wife from the doctor's office and it cost him over $5,000.00 and a felony criminal record to haunt him the rest of his life. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well that sucks for him, serves him right but still sucks, I think the difference is that the guy that my uncle parked behind was not disabled, nor did he have a placard or plates, my uncle got a stern warning not to do it again, more for his own safety than for what he did being illegal.

[P.J.]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Danee:
I feel that rudeness and manners and all of that is definately on the decline in the U.S. I see it often on roads with drivers and in super markets with cashiers and even people in general in line-ups. They really are totally into themselves more and more and service people seem to hate their jobs as they simply, generally speaking I must say, are getting worse at being polite and helpful or even saying thanks. I often say "your welcome" to retail cashiers now when I don't get a smile and thank-you. Sadly, I say that phrase more and more often. Kids? Umm..I disagree. I think kids, like adults, are generally mannered when they are raised with that and it comes from the 'rents. (parents). Other countries..more manners definately and politeness.

-Danee </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Dear Danee,
I like to think that we Americans are better mannered and not so rude, but unfortunately that just isn't true.
Sadly, this trend has spread to other nations. I've witnessed this during my travels in Europe.
I agree that this is so evident on the highways where inconsiderate behavior is often at its worst.