Why are people rude?

Answer 1

Rudeness is perceived hostility against another person, in manner, tone, or behavior.

Defining Rudeness

Only in a situation where all parties involved have exactly the same perspective, culture, and understanding of the situation can rude behavior be seen objectively. This is almost never the case. To give an obvious example, a person's greeting may not be returned because the person to whom it was directed does not speak the same language. Or they may be hearing or vision impaired, but not 'rude'.

Cultural differences regarding personal interactions can often be misinterpreted as rudeness. When among persons from a very different culture, as when traveling, learning about some significant issues in this connection is the polite thing to do. In fact, it may be rude not to do so.

Intentional rudeness is usually inexcusable, but again, not always. The individual to whom the rude behavior is directed may be a loathsome criminal, and the circumstances may require behavior that might otherwise be regarded as rude.

Excuses for rudeness have very limited acceptability when based on trivial personal issues, like fatigue or 'having a bad day'. This kind of rude behavior is essentially a manifestation of immaturity, selfishness, self-absorbtion, or poor personal values.

Deliberate rudeness is often difficult to address without knowing the underlying reason for it. Neither responding in kind or ignoring it can guarantee a satisfactory outcome.

The rude attitude of a person, black or white, is an expression of dissatisfaction with the status of the people being addressed. In African Americans, this is often a result of perceived unequal treatment in many areas of society. Among Caribbean blacks and some Asian groups, Europeans and Americans are seen as rude. Rudeness, of course, is a perception by the observer, and depends upon the cultural acclimation of the individuals involved. Much of what is perceived as rudeness is a result of different cultural expectations regarding acceptable behavior. People also may act differently toward those not of their own culture.

It is abrupt and dismissive, as though you don't really care.

Humans react to rudeness by impulse and sometimes forget that perhaps that person is not well; they may have several problems in their lives; received bad news of someone they love that has just died; some medications can make people cranky and rude or, some people are just angry within themselves and take it out on other people. Wise individuals try to get past the rude stage of that person and sometimes if you smile and say something like, 'having a bad day like me' you would be surprised how these rude people will react and they'll calm down. If someone is rude to the point of being cruel or malicious then set them straight that you are not going to accept their attitude.

Answer 2

People may behave rudely due to a variety of reasons, such as stress, lack of empathy, poor communication skills, or unresolved issues. It's important to remember that everyone has their struggles and it's not necessarily a reflection of who they are as a person. Practicing patience and understanding can help navigate interactions with rude individuals.