My random acts of kindness versus talk-radio-type rudeness

[babylonsister]

(edited for copyright purposes-proud patriot Moderator Democratic Underground)

http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1113/p09s01-coop.html


My random acts of kindness versus talk-radio-type rudeness
In my neighborhood, I've found that even small gestures have made a big difference.
By Susan DeMersseman

from the November 13, 2009 edition

snip//

What does it say about our society when the considerate, polite gestures have become out of the ordinary? We have become too casual with our own manners. If more of us were doing things, even small things, to sweeten the social stew, those people who are bitter or sour would stand out as unnatural more. And that could encourage more polite behavior.

Some people say that good manners render one less competitive in the workforce. On the contrary, there is great power in good manners. Even teaching small children how to use "please" and "thank you," along with other little habits, will open opportunity and instill a pattern into adulthood.

As a psychologist, I have worked in communities where social skills and the ability to reframe a potential conflict can be life saving factors for youngsters. But even when it isn't a matter of life and death, the ability and willingness to express respect can make our own lives much better.

I admit it is disappointing when courtesy is met with an entitled response – or no response. There are times when driving that I'll stop or pull over to let another car pass, and get nothing – no acknowledgment from the other driver. It makes me want to yell at the top of my lungs, in the most sarcastic way I can "You're welcome!" (OK, I have done that a few times). But that kind of response accomplishes little. What do I gain? It certainly doesn't make me feel like a winner.

(snip)

[Big Picture]

1. Thank you

I believe peace and civility can be appropriately interchanged in your message, the intent is still the same. Thanks again.

[Maraya1969]

8. May I be the first to welcome you, Big Picture to DU

:yourock:

[Big Picture]

12. welcome

Thanks, Been a reader for quite some time, though admittedly I am a republican, a democrat, a libertarian and an independent - just depends what the issue may be.

[Sinti]

13. Welcome to DU :) n/t

[Ineeda]

2. Just as nastiness is contagious, so is civility and kindness. (sometimes) n/t

[Ava83]

3. So True

There are many that walk around with a sense of entitlement and refusal to see the world in any different way other then the way it relates to them. I am hyper-aware I am my little ones role model and the way I carry myself will be such an impression on her and I owe it to her to be the best person I can be.

This is not to say I do not mess up and at times get snippy or act in a way I should not..but I hope that is more the exception rather then the rule (or that I wait till she is asleep to act out ;))

[Mopar151]

4. A different perspective

Hunter Thompson, in "Hells Angels", observed that some of the Angels (scary for real in theose days) had discovered that being elaborately curteous to "straights" was one of the best ways to terrorize them. :evilgrin:

[Ava83]

6. LOL

Very clever of them...they are more then just decorative!

BTW that was a great book.

[Maraya1969]

9. And welcome to you too!!! Ava!!!

:headbang:

[Ava83]

10. Thank you!

Your welcome is appreciated!

[Sinti]

14. A somewhat belated welcome to DU, also, Ava83 :) n/t

[Th1onein]

5. Absolutely. What ye sow, so shall ye reap.

Good gives back in kind. So does evil.

[Maraya1969]

7. wow that one about her son and her positivity toward him just hit me in the head

I must admit that when I see a bunch of young guys with pants that would not serve them well if they were running from a lion I always have a negative thought in my head. I'm going to change that.

Actually I have heard that if you pay attention to your thoughts you will probably notice that some of them are consistently negative. Those unnoticed negative thoughts affect your mood in a negative way so it is well to be cognizant of them.

Thanks for this. :)

[CrownPrinceBandar]

11. Babylonsister.........

Please be aware that DU copyright rules require that excerpts of copyrighted material be limited to four paragraphs.

Thanks.

[Sinti]

15. You can be what you want others to be

It's all the real control you have. Besides, courtesy is never misplaced.