What has been a surprise - in addition to the number of comments that the post still attracts - is how many of those objecting to the original article defend rudeness along the lines of "Well, at least we don't display a fake friendliness like those Americans."
I have two responses to that. First, Americans are, for the most part, genuinely friendly. They aren't putting on an act. The United States is a positive, upbeat nation. The second response, however, is more to the point: Given the choice between someone who is sincerely unpleasant and rude versus another individual who is insincerely pleasant and considerate, I'll take the insincere person every time.
All of us have any number of worries that could serve as an excuse for ruining the days of others. Why does it make sense to inflict our bad mood on others? We don't want bigots to act out their sincere thoughts. We expect people to maintain good hygiene.
Why should being unpleasant because we simply "don't feel like it" be tolerated or even praised?
2 comments:
Reminds me of a T-Shirt I once saw "I'm not paid enough to be nice to you" So I am pretty sure that's the insincere approach. But when was niceness an optional extra? Life must be so hard for people whom are bitter, frustrated, envious and apathetic.......
Bob,
It's when they decide to share the bitterness, etc. that I have a problem.
Michael
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