Why do so many people celebrate rude and ignorant behavior?

Question

Is it just me, or has our world, and American society in particular, become a place where being mean and dumb is something that is glorified?

It seems that a lot of people go out of their way to hurt you, and hoot and holler about how things that are vapid and disrespectful are wonderful.

When you point out to them that such behavior is not cool, you are told to "lighten up".

Am I the only one who feels this way? Does living your life with intelligence and dignity actually matter anymore?

Answer 1

Can I get an "amen?"

Yes. American society has made this paradigm shift. Where intelligence used to have merit, now exists nothing.

Answer 2

well,to tell you the truth,its not just happening in US but to be frank t happens all around the globe.....and trust me....no country is in exception......it happens because the society wants a different kinda of living style.....well,you see that people are always so fond of seeing people doing stuffs which are different than what they see happening all day long,and this so happens to be rude and ignorant behaviour....besides,i also see the fact that the busy lives of the people today are also contributing to these sort of things.....people are always so packed with their work,therefore they are tired of all these focus and commitments and go for something known as ignorance............its a big issue really......i leave the rest to you...

Answer 3

Ever heard of the saying, "Ignorance is bliss"?

Easier to be ignorant than intellegent. And most people want to make life easier. That's why I think ignorance prevails in our world.

Answer 4

well american society glorifies the behaviour and people over here in the UK copy it. bad behaviour is negitively reinforced they do bad thigs but they gain power and status from their peers this provides the behaviour to be repeated in order to gain the positive feeling and status which reinforced it in the first place.

Answer 5

Good Question! As time has gone by, common courtesy seems to have gotten Lost, as well as, Manners. When I was little my Grandmother taught me all about Etiquette, table manners, and How to Show Respect to even the most( I thought) unworthy people that I came in Contact with. These were AND are Great Lessons to learn!!!! These simple Courtesies have Taken Me a LONG way in Life. They have brought to me " Humility" which is something Very few People seem to Have , but all want!! You do what you feel is BEST for You in this situation!!

Answer 6

because they and others who support them are rude and ignorant too.

Answer 7

Your perceptions are correct, in my opinion and experience.

In this life and this time, strong is in: "She's a strong woman"--how many times have you heard that?

Rudeness and a defiant attitude indicate strength (to all too many).

I believe our society, and I've been alive quite a while to observe it over time, is going down hill.  Look at TV as an indication of  the tastes and intellect of the masses.  Heck.  Kids learn their social skills from sitcoms!

For me, living intelligently and learning and thinking  deeply are all important.

Answer 8

I LOVE the fact that you answered this question!

I myself, do not believe in bullying. If I see that at places such as work or even within a group of friends, I will speak my mind and say "that's not right." Whenever I do, I AUTOMATICALLY get outcasted. I accept that.

I don't know if it's an American thing per say, because I've met some of the most friendliest people in rural America. It's places where in big cities that I tend to notice these things..

I see that bullying may be praised in cultures where they value "comformity."

I think it's stupid/degrading when people resort to poor behavior. I guess people who believe in bullying value social darwanistic types of mentalities. I value peace/fun/happiness. I think a person's environmental factors highly contribute to how they act.

Sometimes people equate money with power. In a world where people value material things over 'actual' human beings, behaviors such as bullying would be highly prized (even though these people tend to claim they're 'religious').

Anyway, I get what you are saying and hope that you find avenues in your life where you won't have to put up with such people.. Good Luck!

Answer 9

I feel the same way because I have been in similar situations before. I'm seen as the "prude" only because I choose not parade around acting stupid or go around doing drugs. They think I should too "lighten up". When I believe they should "tighten up" and act like a mature respectable person.

However, from my exeriences, they don't go around to hurt one another. Except they do seem to praise stupidity. The media nowadays, portrays things like stereotypes, s*x, and drugs as something that should be laughed at and not taken seriously. I believe these are serious issues and if I were to tell people that, they would reply by saying "its just a joke".

I'd love it if everyone were more open-minded and accepting of one another. That way, no one would have to be clones of society. I see girls in my town slowly lose their individuality for the sake of fitting in. I choose not to fit in. Sure I'll be an outcast and not have many friends. But of those friends that I do have are to be treasured because I know they'll always be themselves and love me for who I am.

I don't agree with it just being American society. There are many parts of the world that act likes this.