Rudeness Wins Over Politeness

I am discovering more and more that rudeness is becoming an accepted part of our culture and at times even encouraged. So sad that we have taken such a sad turn. Where it leads is only destruction.

Recently, I was at a store shopping. As I was looking on the shelves for the right product, a woman stepped between me and the shelves and gave me a glare. There was no “Excuse me” or anything like that. She was angry that I was in her way.

In a parking lot, a man drove his car across three rows of parking spaces. Not down the correct way a care should go, but literally across the spaces. We stopped before hitting him. His response was cussing at us and giving us the finger. He was in the wrong and was mad at us.

Invited some people over for dinner. They quickly informed us that they would bring their own meat. Upon arriving, they questioned how we prepared every dish. They did not have any religious restrictions to explain this or even health issues. They said that they wanted to make sure that the meal had been prepared safely. Alright.

 I went on a retreat and stayed at a local hotel. Life had been stressful and a break was much needed. The phone rang. It was a woman in our church who was calling. I could tell by her voice that she was wanting me to invite her over. Her intent was to help me get my walk with God back on track. I was offended and did not invite her over. What I did not know was that she was down in the lobby and was stopped by the front desk who informed her that only my husband was allowed up. To me that was rude.

My son plays many basketball tournaments. There are multiple games going on in the same fieldhouse. Many people are moving around the gym and going in and out. What amazes me is the rudeness that many of these people exhibit. They cross in front of the bleachers to block the view of the spectators just as the play moves to that end of the court. They will even stop and stand there watching the same play. Excuse me, we are watching, too. I always make my children stop before crossing in front of the bleachers until the play has ended. I was amazed when two young boys were very polite about it and refused to interfere with the view until the play was over. I even thanked them. Such actions are so rare.

Holding a door for the person behind you has become rare. Saying thank you does not occur often. Being polite is becoming a thing of the past. What does that say about us?

When society begins to crumble and rudeness becomes the norm, this shows a lack of civility and a path toward barbarianism. We call ourselves civilized cultures yet we act like animals. We have trouble pushing people out of the way to get what we want.

It is so sad to see mankind come to this when it is easier to be rude than to say a simple “Excuse me.”