7 reasons the 21 century is making us miserable.

[ssampier]

On a personal level, now I don't have to be ashamed if I'm annoying. I'm preparing hundreds for other annoying people.*

*[size=-2]I shower and shave on a daily basis, but I have a quirky personality that many dislike.[/size]

 

[Lewis526]

Yeah, Great Article! One of the above comments reminds me of something Henry David Thoreau said: "We have become the tools of our tools." He died in 1862, so whenever he wrote or said that, it was over 140 years ago. I imagine there aren't words for what he'd think of postmodern society.

The "Yankees are unfriendly" stereotype is, in my opinion, associated with the heavy urbanization of the Northeastern USA. It's always seemed to me that rural places are friendlier, no matter where they are. On the other hand, I still think Yankees are generally ruder and coarser than Southerners or Midwesterners. Their souls may not be any more corrupt, but they tend not to learn good manners.

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

Their souls may not be any more corrupt, but they tend not to learn good manners.

Hey! I know how to say please and thank you and I even know which fork to use most of the time.

I do agree with the rural vs. urban differences. I've noticed within less urban areas in the Northeast that people actually do say hello, or at least nod a greeting.

 

[Anon Adderlan]

I thought this was a really good read.

No kidding. This is one of the coolest (and more useful) things I've read on the internet in a long time. Everyone I know will hear about it.

Sadly though, it seems to be a natural law that when a group of humans becomes too large, it divides into tribes and interests, and rarely are differences accepted as much as completely ignored.

Ironically, the majority of all this advanced communication technology at our disposal is applied in an attempt to limit communication as opposed to facilitate it.

and yes, thank you

 

[Relique du Madde]

That was a good article... although I do have to admit that its saddens me considering that I've noticed that a lot of the people around me are slip-sliding down the path of social ruin that is described in that article.

The modern world is making John Donne spin in his grave...

 

[Storminator]

The "Yankees are unfriendly" stereotype is, in my opinion, associated with the heavy urbanization of the Northeastern USA. It's always seemed to me that rural places are friendlier, no matter where they are. On the other hand, I still think Yankees are generally ruder and coarser than Southerners or Midwesterners. Their souls may not be any more corrupt, but they tend not to learn good manners.

IMX, "Yankees" are extremely friendly, polite and respectful to people they know. If you are outside their circle of friends/acquaintances, however, they could give a damn. They also dislike rude people.

PS

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

IMX, "Yankees" are extremely friendly, polite and respectful to people they know. If you are outside their circle of friends/acquaintances, however, they could give a damn. They also dislike rude people.

PS

This reminds me of something when talking about the rural vs. urban differences. I've found that people in rural areas can be quite polite and friendly to strangers, as long as they are just visitors. If you are a transplant to the area, especially if coming from a more urban area, you are an outsider and discover that friendly and polite attitude does not go much beyond surface pleasantries.

 

[jgbrowning]

http://www.pointlesswasteoftime.com/misery.html

I thought this was a really good read.

That was a good read.

Thanks Ferret,

joe b.

 

[Thunderfoot]

This reminds me of something when talking about the rural vs. urban differences. I've found that people in rural areas can be quite polite and friendly to strangers, as long as they are just visitors. If you are a transplant to the area, especially if coming from a more urban area, you are an outsider and discover that friendly and polite attitude does not go much beyond surface pleasantries.

Only if you plan on bringing your 'slick big city ways' with ya; if you check them at the door, you'll fit in fine. I hate to say it but the movie "Doc Hollywood" was perhaps one of the best commentaries on rural life in America that I've seen in a long time.
Everyone knows everyone else, they care about what happens to them. If your neighbor is glad, you rejoice, if they mourn, you grieve. I grew up in a rural area and had exactly 3 neighbors, the ones on the left never moved, the older lady on the right died and a younger couple moved in, they were city folks lookin to start fresh...they did. I have lived in an urban area now (Maryland) for about 13 years. I have lived in the same place this entire time. I have 47 different neghbors on either side of me. I have learned the names of 4 of them. All of those have been people raised in rural areas. Everyone else has either made a rude remark at the proferred gesture of friendship or decided that they didn't want someone in their business and 'polietly' asked me to never speak to them again.
I'm still here because this is where the money is, I wish I were back home because that's where proper manners and good folk live. John Melencamp was right.

Marylander by bank account... Southern Illinoisan by the grace of God!

 

[Thunderfoot]

corrolarry to the above found this and had to post:

Because of misunderstandings that frequently develop when Easterners and Californians cross states such as Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, those states' Tourism Councils have adopted a set of informational guidelines. In an effort to help outsiders understand the Midwest, the following list will be handed to each driver entering the state:
1. That farm boy standing next to the feed bin did more work before breakfast than you do all week at the gym.
2. It's called a 'gravel road.' No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Navigator. I have a four-wheel drive because I need it. Drive it or get it out of the way.
3. We all started hunting and fishing when we were seven years old. Yeah, we saw Bambi. We got over it.
4. Any references to "corn fed" when talking about our women will get you whipped... by our women.
5. Go ahead and bring your $600 Orvis Fly Rod. Don't cry to us if a flathead catfish breaks it off at the handle. We have a name for those little trout you fish for...bait.
6. Pull your pants up. You look like an idiot.
7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of mallards are making their final approach, we will shoot it. You might hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.
8. That's right. Whiskey is only two bucks. We can buy a fifth for what you paid in the airport for one drink.
9. No, there's no "Vegetarian Special" on the menu. Order steak. Order it rare. Or, you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the two pounds of ham and turkey.
10. You bring Coke into my house, it better be brown, wet, and served over ice.
11. So you have a sixty thousand dollar car you drive on weekends. We're real impressed. We have quarter - million dollar combines that we use two weeks a year.
12. Let's get this straight. We have one stoplight in town. We stop when it's red. We may even stop when it's yellow. Don't you dare honk at us.
13. Our women hunt, fish, and drive trucks--because they want to. So, you're a feminist. Isn't that cute.
14. Yeah, we eat catfish. Carp, too--and turtle. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the bait shop.
15. They are pigs. That's what they smell like. Get over it. Don't like it? Interstate 70, 80, & 90 go East& West--Interstate 29 &35 go North & South. Pick one and use it accordingly.
16. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer or fishing season. It's a religious holiday. You can get breakfast at the church.
17. So every person in every pickup waves. It's called being friendly. You probably don't understand the concept.
18. Yeah, we have golf courses. Don't hit in the water hazard. It spooks the fish.
19. That Highway Patrol Officer that just pulled you over for driving like an idiot...his name is "Sir"...no matter how old he is.
Now, welcome to the Midwest. Enjoy your visit!!!