Is American Rude or Honest?
Americans has become more willing to be honest and open about their feeling for another
people over text, email or even in person. While, this blunt honesty is not always the best
approach to a civil and appropriate relationships or conversations it is still honest at its root. But
this has become how Americans communicate with each other. They writing strongly worded
emails, checking social media during a conversation and taking a phone call in middle of a
meeting. While a disregard for others peoples feelings and concerns may not be the intent this is
what Americans are displaying. One scholar writes in article titled Rudeness is running rampant
in today's high-tech society, in it he says "One reason to become rude is new technology like cell
phone which encourages people to carry on loud, irritating conversations in different public
places. Busy lives of people also affect their state of mind" (Carter, 2006). Supporting the idea
that technology is negatively effecting how Americans relate to and communicate with each
other.
This problem has arisen because Americans have become enthralled by the idea of
multitasking and this leads to Americans not paying as much attention to other people or what
they want. So has American become increasingly rude to other people, but not in the sense that
Americans are blowing each other off or calling each other names. Americans have become rude
in the sense that they care less about those around them, and have prioritized people below the
newest email or app on their phone. The root of this comes from the fact that Americans have
become obsessed with themselves and therefore have become less aware of other people. One
article titled Rude Awakening written by Mark Leibovich, supports the idea saying the "Reasons
for the increase in rudeness; (is a) breakdown of institutions as the root of a more individualistic
society" (Leibovich, 1993).
The problem is growing because this behavior is considered offensive but not always
rude; because, this is an attitude that the entire American population is dealing with. Therefore,
no one is treated differently, everyone is treated with the same level of passivity, and so while the
action may be considered offensive, it is not always considered rude or wrong. Author Bob
Garfield writes an article that supports this idea, in his article titled Please, please mind manners,
in this article talks about how commercials have started to mimics society's rudeness and self-
indulgence. (Garfield, 1994) Making American think that our behavior is a normal way of life.
Supporting our behavior even further.
When one looks at this behavior from a biblical stand point it is clear that this is
incorrect, and Americans need to understand their actions are disrespectful and degrading to the
people around them. In the Bible Christians are called to respect their brothers and sisters.
Romans 12:10 says “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above
yourselves.” And Philippians 2:3 says “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in
humility consider others better than yourselves.” Finally Matthew 7:12 clearly says that that we
are called to love one another without biased or selfish ambition to treat others as we would want
to be treated. Americans have become more rude and offensive to one another and it is up to
every American to make this right.
Citations
Leibovich, M. (1993). Rude awakening. Utne Reader (87500256), (55), 138
Garfield, B. (1994). Please, please mind manners. Advertising Age, 65(34), 3-22.
Carter, R. (2006, August 17). Rudeness is running rampant in today's high-tech society. New
York Amsterdam News. pp. 10-41.
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