(no subject)

So a news article regarding a new study has been making it's rounds on the net.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/10/14/national/a032909D89.DTL

It seems that someone spent money to fund a study to show that many Americans and westerners in general are rude ... okay, say it with me now kiddies "No shit, Sherlock!". Is anyone else reminded of the famous cow study of a few years back? You know the one funded by US Agriculture that proved that cows say nrrr not moo, because cows don't have lips. Couple million dollars on that one.

The article basically blamed parents and the media for not promoting good manners. I do have to agree with that one, but I put more blame on the parents. TV sucks nowadays, but I watched some pretty horrendus stuff as a kid,a nd I have good manners. The only major faux-pas I commit is the cardinal sin of pointing out bad manners.

So why can't parents teach their kids to be respectful? My thought is that they are trying, but it is a case of do as I say not as I do. They tell their kids to be polite, then bitch out some poor sales clerk. They tell their kinds to mind their elders, then shove some old lady out of the way. Kids are sponges who learn by example. We put on a bad show and then wonder why our sprogs are little shits.

It isn't the world of our grandparents ... but i have to wonder if we are glamourizing the old days. We all know that Ozzy and Harriet, My Three Sons, and Leave it to Beaver are fictional, so why do we believe the hype?

Are people really more rude today, or it it just a different type of rudeness?

Borrowed from Nightstriker

Get to know yourself better
Your view on yourself:

You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:

You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.
The seriousness of your love:

You like to flirt and behave seductively. The opposite sex finds this very attractive, and that's why you'll always have admirers hanging off your arms. But how serious are you about choosing someone to be in a relationship with?
Your views on education

Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.
The right job for you:

You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.
How do you view success:

You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.
What are you most afraid of:

You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.
Who is your true self:

You are full of energy and confidence. You are unpredictable, with moods changing as quickly as an ocean. You might occasionally be calm and still, but never for long.

http://www.quizbox.com/personality/test82.aspx/test82.aspx