by Andrew J. Zintl

Created on: September 06, 2008

Rudeness is the expression of selfishness. Every form of behavior that is considered to be rude can be traced back to egocentricism as its root cause. Society does not look kindly on those who believe their existence so important as to allow them to skirt the rules of common decency with impunity. The ridiculous antics of crazed celebrities are a prime example of this, being avariciously followed for the sentiment of universal disgust they inspire.

Everyone has the urge to puncture the swelled heads of those who believe they are above the standards of polite behavior and act rudely to express their disdain for the common people. Such behavior is undeniably inexcusable and witnesses should endeavor to correct it when possible. Doing nothing only gives further support to the theory of rude people of their being above the law. Unfortunately, this is the most common reaction to such examples of rudeness as cutting in line or talking loudly on a cell phone in a movie theatre.

The second most common reaction to displays of rudeness is unavailing as well. This response is to match rudeness with rudeness. A driver who is cut off by someone who is clearly only trying to get that one car length ahead will respond with either honking the horn or by directing foul language at the other driver, often accompanied with a rude hand gesture. To the initial rude party, such actions only signify anger and jealousy at not having the guts to put themselves forward as well. Indeed, rudeness is only met with rudeness when a person's own selfish desires have been thwarted or repressed often enough to cause such an outburst of emotion.

That leaves only one valid response to the rudeness of another if one hopes to prevent future displays by the same individual. One must gently reprimand such a person, preferably in private, for their crude behavior. Should their response be yet more rudeness, it is imperative to maintain equanimity and not retaliate in frustration. Since such a reaction is most likely from someone who frequently gets away with rude behavior, do not be discouraged by such an emotional response in the heat of the moment. As long as you maintain your politeness in the face of their rude replies to you, your actions and your words will make a forceful impression on their mind. Even if they are so arrogant as to completely disregard your efforts, let your conscience be clear in the knowledge that you have done all that is possible to guide them towards better behavior.

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