In the forum there is a post called A tiny bit of evil. One example is a blurb from Cosmopolitan magazine on how to get a refund if you don’t have a receipt. If you don’t get your way, the blurb suggests, you should raise your voice and abuse the person behind the counter. The idea is that, by throwing a fit, you will get what you want.
A person of integrity would not see “throwing a fit at a stranger” as appropriate behavior. The question is therefore asked: how would someone get like this?
So I asked Google, “Why are people rude?” and came to this page:
It offers several theories. Here are three:
- “Their parents didn’t teach them the rules”
- “Schools don’t teach manners”
- “Some people are naturally evil”
In looking around on the site, I also came across this page, which offers another theory: “Offensive people have a blind spot to how their actions affect others.” Which is an interesting theory, because it is correctable. The theory suggests that it is simple ignorance, and education can fix that.
The article then suggests “The National Jerk Test”, created by Steve Allen in the 1970s, as a way to test yourself for rudeness. Google once again delivered, and here is the test:
The National Jerk Test or How to determine if you are a Jerk
I took the test. Perhaps I am offensive and do not realize it? Here is my chance to find out. I scored 6 points. For example, I have been known, when in a rush, perhaps to have been guilty of #18 once or twice, especially if the person is overtly talking on a cell phone. That’s 2 points. With 6 points, I am “a paragon of social virtue, and act jerky only on rare occasions.” I think my goal should be zero points going forward.
Given that the test is 35 years old, it is surprisingly relevant.
The whole topic brings up a good point. Society works better, and feels better for everyone, when people are polite to each other.