Culture News Blog

Beg pardon, but Americans are getting ruder. An Associated Press-Ipsos poll found that 70 percent of those surveyed feel people are snippier and more vulgar than 30 years ago. There may be no scientific link behind the devolution of civility, but four species are hastening its demise.

1. The chatterbox. Cell phone glued to its ear, this animal broadcasts intimate details to innocent bystanders. Its more vocal cousin, the caterwauler, plays a thumping boombox while heckling passers-by.

2. The litterbug. This lowly organism pitches everything out of the car window, from cigarette butts to soda bottles. On foot, it doesn't hesitate to spit gum on the sidewalk.

3. The brute. This beast lets elevator doors close on elderly folks and cuts in bank lines, always with a blank stare of detachment.

4. The slacker. This casual creature is recognizable by its trademark attire: pajamas at the grocery, flip-flops at church, ratty jeans at work.

Yet signs of a more advanced civilization abound. Restaurants/bars are banning cell phones. Peoria, Ill., is enforcing litter and noise ordinances. More workplaces are canning casual Friday in favor of suits and ties. Someday, a nicer culture may even welcome such measures with two rarely heard words: thank you.

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