[Scronan]

Hi,

Let me give this a shot here. I know I haven't posted in a while, been incognito. [img]smile.gif[/img]

*First, do you think people in general are ruder now than they were 10 years ago (1992)?

That's a tough one. Where I live in Northern Ca, I would have to say its been about the same. Maybe even a little less rude? But certainly not more. [img]smile.gif[/img]

**Is rudeness a serious problem, or is just something we have to put up with in today's society?

I think we have to look at the root cause of where "rudeness" starts. As others have mentioned, I notice it most in the younger generation. But I say it is improper parenting that causes this. Young children are extrememly vulnerable to suggestion and how their parents and family act will play a huge role in their personas as they grow up.
However, there are a few strong willed souls that can manage to break away from even the most warped upbringings, but these people seem to be few and far between.
I believe a lot of it starts with just being competitive. Everywhere we look, on the TV, radio we have sports teams, models and everything suggests an image that is "what's in." If you aren't young, trim, sexy, love the favorite popular team or driving a big fancy car, you're just not living and must be in a lower social class.

Its human nature to be competitive, and although important people takes things WAY too far. I've noticed many people (sadly, some of my friends) who are horribly prejudiced to people with less money, who are overweight, gay or just don't fit into the blond haired blue eyed American stereotype.

And where did this start? With their families, time and time again.

**How often have you encountered rudeness in your daily life?

All the time, on a daily basis. Although I do prefer people who do it face to face. Its the back stabbing bandits that are the worst.

As I mentioned once before, I used to be a tour guide at a museum that had many international tourists. Time and time again, the folks from England were uncommonly rude, however I think it was more a cultural aspect to their personalities.

People from Sweden, Denmark, Norway were usually the nicest. This is just from my 5 years experience in one spot though.

**How often do you encounter rudeness online? Is it more, less, or the same as the amount you encounter offline?

FAR, FAR worse. Not to step on any toes here, but the net is permeated with rude jerks and people with out of balance egos. Since they don't have to answer to anyone and can write virtually anonymously, its a breeding ground for rudeness.

I've been online for about 7 years now, and its always been this way. Anyone ever seen Jay and Silent Bob strike back? One of the best movie endings ever when they beat up the net jerks. [img]smile.gif[/img]

**Have you acted in a rude manner within the last week? The last month?

Probably a few times, but when I do I remind myself to be kinder.

**What factors do you think contribute to rude behavior?

As I said above, family, upbringing and lack of proper role models. Media and sterotypes.

**Is there anything proactive (not reactive) that you as an individual and ourselves as a society can do to combat rudeness?

I'll share a bit of what I do in my own life. If I ever meet a tourist or someone from another country, I go out of my way to be kind to them. Even if they can't speak one word of English, I will try to communicate with them. I want them to leave this country knowing at least one person showed them kindess, and that not all Americans are rude.

The rest are just little things. Waiting to let that car go in during traffic. Holding the door for someone. Smiling at a young child, its not these acts persay, but how you live your life. I go out of my way to be compassionate in general, but if someone pushes my buttons, then I get a little militant and stand up for myself.

I'm not perfect, and I screw things up sometimes. I have a bad temper, God knows I'm a Scorpio and most of the time my face is blank and expressionless.

But, I know how to feel and share kindess and love with others, and that's all anyone needs. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Great thread Saz,

Best
Scronan