Okay USA, we need to have a talk. Recently we discussed a survey unveiling Americans as the worst travelers, as determined by Americans. That was humbling and self-insulting to say the least. Of course, I think we can safely assume that most of those voters did not think they fit into the stereotype they envisioned.
Now, we’ve done it again. In a recent poll 76% of Americans surveyed think Americans are becoming more rude and less civil, but clearly it’s the other 24%. I mean what are the odds that any of the 76% are surly, mean, cynical beings? Really?
I am all for humility, but this is just ridiculous. We are not that bad. Sure maybe we forget a please and thank you here and there, and maybe these simple offerings of gratitude and decorum are being replaced by more modern phrases, but we have to stop beating ourselves and each other up over it, even in poll form.
It’s the sentiment that counts ultimately, right? Is “no problem” really any less thoughtful than “you’re welcome” if it’s meant by the one who says it? More importantly, is calling someone out on that really fixing the possible problem or exacerbating it?
Expectation is half the battle, if we expect kindness from others, maybe we’ll get it. Thank you, have a good one.
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“Please Read This Story, Thank You”: NPR
…bi-daily smile…
