by Susan Overbey

Created on: September 09, 2008   Last Updated: September 10, 2008

Society has become extremely permissive of rude behavior. Basic common courtesy is nearly extinct and it is sad that we as a society have not only accepted this behavior in others but have also adopted this mean-spirited behavior ourselves. I fear what lies in store for future generations if adults do not begin to provide a more positive influence for our youth by practicing behaviors that are more courteous.

We are taught from a young age how to be polite. However, society has certain "unspoken laws" that we are expected to know and to follow as adults. When we fail to follow these "unspoken laws", it leads to rudeness. Individuality can still exist in a polite world with people engaging in socially acceptable behavior. Today's society has forgotten the importance of manners and etiquette and it has ultimately lead our society into a state of mere chaos.

Different people have different views on why rudeness has suddenly spiked in recent years. One popular theory is the introduction of the internet. Articles and blogs are posted to the internet much more quickly allowing for more short-term thinking. It is common for people not to think long-term before posting an opinion via the internet than it was before when things were mainly published in magazines or newspapers. Technology has made our lives easier in some aspects, but has also introduced society to an entirely new way of the thinking that is not always best when it comes to socially acceptable behavior.

According to a poll in 2002, 79 percent of Americans say that rude behavior is a serious problem in our society. I believe Eric Hoffer put it best when he said that rudeness was a weak man's imitation of strength. Americans are over-stressed and many of us are depressed about life in general. Our moods strongly affect the way we treat others. A person with a low self-esteem, for example, may pick on someone else in order to feel strong. Therefore, proving Eric Hoffer's quote on rudeness.

There are no places in society where we are safe from rudeness. Supermarkets, malls, parks, and even churches are no exception. The lack of civil behavior is an epidemic. Stadiums are known for their die-hard fans shouting profanities at other teams, with no thought as to who may be around them. People push their way though aisles while shopping and often line cut. Many people are beginning to use church as a place to gossip rather than to worship. Cell phones ringing at the movies, people texting while in conversation with

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