another rant

Disclaimer: This is my opinion on society recently…aka social commentary.

I think that Americans don’t have manners. How hard is it to say thank you when someone holds the door for you? I mean really! I have had so many people around me just be so rude and I am tired of it. Manners are essential for a person to get along in society well. People will think highly if you are curious and kind rather then just an asshole. I do not feel that shouting at a service person is generally necessary. I think that people who do that simply do so to make themselves feel better and higher by putting someone down. Yes, on occasion someone won’t get a clue, but you still don’t have to be so rude about it. It’s better to make someone smile and feel good about themselves to encourage them rather then make them suicidal because you felt like you needed to be a dick. Way to go American hero, way to go. Another thing is how manner affect how others view you…if you are a polite person, generally people will be more inclined to think highly of you. Let’s face it, no one likes a jackass, but it seems also that no one is up for a bit of change in their behavior. Did your parents just fail you or do you just feel the world offers nothing of value but your material things? Really, humanity disappoints me. I personally go out of my way to say thank you, please, and ask nicely…I hold doors for people when their arms are full… but I also see how many people do not return the favors. It’s not your god given right to walk over people who are nice to you. And if you walk through a door I held for you and you still don’t say thank you, well be prepared for my “YOUR WELCOME!” if you like it or not. The world does not revolve around you, or any specific person.

My next point also has to do with stereo types about people with manners…

I think we’ve all heard about that white trailer trash down the road or that “different” individual you know of. Have you ever talked to them though? I mean really talked to them? Everyone has at least on redeeming factor..if not more. I find that most of the ill manners I come across are upper and upper middle class people. Yes, lower status people don’t always have the best language, but neither does upper class… just look at people like paris hilton..or in your own neighborhoods. I know more poor people that are more appreciative of alot of things, including courtesy (and who also speak better then people with money). I am not saying one group is better then the other, because there are always exceptions.. what I am saying is that people need to learn politeness in all things. Keep in mind with that service person you are about to ream out, that he/she is just doing their job. I personally am more likely to help someone who is nice to me versus rude to all get out. Think before you speak and see how best you can word something for the best (polite) effect.

Main point: Be polite! It’s important to those around you. (or driving near you)

My next rant topic…

That people don’t appreciate gifts anymore. Christmas is all about the give me give me’s then really thinking about who thought about you. This is especially true when it comes to handmade things. I understand not liking a gift that obviously didn’t take any thoughtfulness, but still also be thankful that the person even thought of you. Back to hand made things though…
Americans (i can only talk about what I know, so don’t yell at me for picking on Americans…) are all about material things. Everything is so cheap and easy to get that you just don’t care if something is store bought for you, or specially made for you. I hate when I make something for someone, and they treat it like a disposable item. Gifts I make, I think really hard about and I work long hours over them too…Plus they cost me money. If you don’t want it, give it back so I can give it to someone who gives a care. It hurts my feelings that something I made isn’t cared about…it’s like putting a nail in my heart…after enough of them I just stop doing it for people.

Next topic…

I find that appreciation of art is really low. I find that all this music stuff I do, no one cares. Chris invites people for me, and I invite people…and in the end…usually it’s just my mom and him that come. Now THAT really breaks my heart. Because of this I am thinking about just giving up on music. I hate to do that, but if no one appreciates it…then it’s just an expensive hobby. Let me just say that makes me depressed that people cannot love the finer things in life. Things like sports or sleep take ahold of people’s minds more then a song can move someone’s emotions. Tragic.