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this is fairly common in vancouver, but generally when i'm on local trails people always seem to greet each other. we say good morning or hello which is common courtesy to say the least.
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- Thread starter pitdog
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this is fairly common in vancouver, but generally when i'm on local trails people always seem to greet each other. we say good morning or hello which is common courtesy to say the least.
Yeah, it's a little shocking to people coming from more... well... from cultures where people generally speak more, and quietly stare at each other less.
The Swedes are much louder than Finns, or Norwegians, though. Even the Swedes find Finns and Norwegians generally quiet and a little on the rude side. 
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Yeah I always wear my fur's this time of year, d'ya think this had something to do with it ?
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Shecky is a master of irony. :thumbup:
People were routinely rude in N.Y.C. 35 years ago. Open a door for someone, and they would either rush past without a glance (like you were a doorman whose job was to hold the door for them) or pause briefly and give you a funny look like you were up to somethin' strange. No thank you's. I was quickly broken of that behavior (opening doors for others) and developed the habit of just reaching back with my hand as I went through so the person behind (if any) could catch it.
Stories of rudeness to strangers go back to the Bible.
I don't think it's newer technology.
I think perhaps small town folks display more "manners" because it's less comfortable to be rude to someone you know (unless it's a spouse or someone you really dislike).
Some folks have a visceral negative reaction to how a stranger "looks." Do you have a "cast" to one eye? Commune with Satan, do you?
A cute dog, like a baby, is often an "Ice breaker." Pickpockets (cutpurses) have known this for centuries.
People were routinely rude in N.Y.C. 35 years ago. Open a door for someone, and they would either rush past without a glance (like you were a doorman whose job was to hold the door for them) or pause briefly and give you a funny look like you were up to somethin' strange. No thank you's. I was quickly broken of that behavior (opening doors for others) and developed the habit of just reaching back with my hand as I went through so the person behind (if any) could catch it.
Stories of rudeness to strangers go back to the Bible.
I don't think it's newer technology.
I think perhaps small town folks display more "manners" because it's less comfortable to be rude to someone you know (unless it's a spouse or someone you really dislike).
Some folks have a visceral negative reaction to how a stranger "looks." Do you have a "cast" to one eye? Commune with Satan, do you?
A cute dog, like a baby, is often an "Ice breaker." Pickpockets (cutpurses) have known this for centuries.
Yeah I always wear my fur's this time of year, d'ya think this had something to do with it ?
Well, that explains it. That tattoo must be why. A lot of people are still pretty prejudiced about tattoos and all - you know, "only sailors and soldiers..." I don't see any other reason.
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I always give a "Hello, how are you this morning/afternoon" and usually I'll get an answer. However, there are a few who will look at me and tell me to mind my own business.
Whenever I go to Southern part of Ohio, though everyone is friendly. Probably because the only people I really see down there I know, or they are amish.
Whenever I go to Southern part of Ohio, though everyone is friendly. Probably because the only people I really see down there I know, or they are amish.
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...or maybe Ann Landers....:yawn:
I think its the times we live in. Stories like what happened to the victims of Gary Hilton, and the increase of population, you just don't know who that person is coming the other way on that trail. As for big cities, I've found that in New York city and Washinton D.C. people are just as polite as anywhere else, once you're off the street. It's like in the safty of a resturaunt or such is one thing, out on the street is another.
I know I'm a little leary of someone I see on a hiking trail in the woods. I watch them approach carefully, and if its a lone male, I tend to be between yellow and red alert. But in the city, while I watch who's close proximity to me, I'm not as quick to go on alert on a city street as a secluded spot in the woods. Call it herd mentality, but in general, most people will feel safer in the middle of Times Square than a patch of woods out someplace with some lone guy and a pit bull coming towards them. I know I've seen a big difference in how people react to me when I have Karen with me, or I'm alone. The presence of a woman makes you seem less of a threat.
I think people are more aware of crime in the boonies than they were in years past because of media reporting.
And then, theres always those re-runs of Deliverence.
I know I'm a little leary of someone I see on a hiking trail in the woods. I watch them approach carefully, and if its a lone male, I tend to be between yellow and red alert. But in the city, while I watch who's close proximity to me, I'm not as quick to go on alert on a city street as a secluded spot in the woods. Call it herd mentality, but in general, most people will feel safer in the middle of Times Square than a patch of woods out someplace with some lone guy and a pit bull coming towards them. I know I've seen a big difference in how people react to me when I have Karen with me, or I'm alone. The presence of a woman makes you seem less of a threat.
I think people are more aware of crime in the boonies than they were in years past because of media reporting.
And then, theres always those re-runs of Deliverence.
Thinking about it, there's a lot of honor in everyone just minding their own business and not reading too much into anyone's particular actions.
But a lot of times, it's culture and local mores. Here in the big city, I make no real effort to acknowledge any particular stranger in the street. If I make eye contact, I'll smile, maybe say "Hi", but that's about it. Most folks are out and about on task. Go walk up in the local trails and parks, and the tone is more friendly, folks tend to exchange a courteous word or two. If someone doesn't, I don't pay any particular mind.
One thing that amuses me in to some parts of the country is how slow folks do things. Here in the big city, a transaction tends to be business only, maybe nice banter if the situation allows. Some places, folks seem to move slowly, are willing to strike up a conversation, chew the cud for awhile, and the locals waiting in line don't seem to mind, or even join in. In the big city, that would be considered rude.
And it doesn't always follow reputation. I've been in some backwater places where folks were rather chilly in reception. And I've always pleasantly reminded how friendly folks in NYC are. Go figure.
But a lot of times, it's culture and local mores. Here in the big city, I make no real effort to acknowledge any particular stranger in the street. If I make eye contact, I'll smile, maybe say "Hi", but that's about it. Most folks are out and about on task. Go walk up in the local trails and parks, and the tone is more friendly, folks tend to exchange a courteous word or two. If someone doesn't, I don't pay any particular mind.
One thing that amuses me in to some parts of the country is how slow folks do things. Here in the big city, a transaction tends to be business only, maybe nice banter if the situation allows. Some places, folks seem to move slowly, are willing to strike up a conversation, chew the cud for awhile, and the locals waiting in line don't seem to mind, or even join in. In the big city, that would be considered rude.
And it doesn't always follow reputation. I've been in some backwater places where folks were rather chilly in reception. And I've always pleasantly reminded how friendly folks in NYC are. Go figure.
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<chiming in... while at the same time totally ignoring Pit's question>
Silly Cannuk.... sigh.
I tend to say good morning to most of the people I see on the street around my home, but I tend to keep to myself when in the much bigger town I work in. Funny, but remembering when I did work in the city, I learned to ignore the people that said Hi or Good morning or whatever, because 8 out of 10 times it turned out to be someone pan handling for spare change.... or a knife welding crazy cunnuk from the great white northern ontario, I could never tell them apart.
I think a little understanding of the envoirments might help. I grew up in NYC and am now living in Atlanta. I have traveled to about 25 countries in the world and worked for two years in both Hong Kong and London.
Generally, the less densely populated an area the more courteous or friendly the people. This makes sense doesn't it? People in less dense areas have a history of needing the help of others to survive - think of the American west as the US expanded. Also, it can be lonely alone so people want to meet others.
In cities and more dense areas, people rely upon the infrastructure of government and stores. The population tends to be more transient with different ethnic group and their customs. Finally, in really crowed areas it is respectful to respect other's "space". It is difficult to get away from people so you don't intrude upon them.
Generally, once you break the ice with people they are pretty much the same as courtsey goes.
Since living in the south, I do say hello to those I meet while hiking there and I am usually met with a good reply. I did the same thing when out hiking in the west and the reply was usually perfunctory. Does that mean those I met on the trail were not courteous? I don't think so, it just wasn't their custom.
We have a lot more things that unite us in the USA than divide us - we should focus on those.
Generally, the less densely populated an area the more courteous or friendly the people. This makes sense doesn't it? People in less dense areas have a history of needing the help of others to survive - think of the American west as the US expanded. Also, it can be lonely alone so people want to meet others.
In cities and more dense areas, people rely upon the infrastructure of government and stores. The population tends to be more transient with different ethnic group and their customs. Finally, in really crowed areas it is respectful to respect other's "space". It is difficult to get away from people so you don't intrude upon them.
Generally, once you break the ice with people they are pretty much the same as courtsey goes.
Since living in the south, I do say hello to those I meet while hiking there and I am usually met with a good reply. I did the same thing when out hiking in the west and the reply was usually perfunctory. Does that mean those I met on the trail were not courteous? I don't think so, it just wasn't their custom.
We have a lot more things that unite us in the USA than divide us - we should focus on those.
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On reflection, maybe I am wrong about the population density thing. Maybe some areas are just full of mean people! There is a "community" about 30 miles from here where, I swear, everyone in the area is kin to everyone else. If an "outsider" from the next county stops there for gas (I don't recommend stopping there for anything) they just stare at you, with that slack-jawed zombie stare that only truly inbred yokels can do. Last time I stopped there for gas, I think I heard duelling banjos. I blasted my Harley out of there at full throttle!
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I tend to return greetings more often as a head not or smile or quick hi. While not trying to be rude, I never like it too much when you get one of those 'clutchers'. It starts with a smile while your standing in line. They see you have acknowledged their human existence then start telling you about every trouble they've had in their life. I hate that. My wife gets it all the time especially because she doesn't put on the 'I don't give a crap' face after the other person starts talking.
Now mind you when I'm on the trail or out exploring or even if the clutcher is not from around and asking directions, or with the ederly, I really don't mind stopping and yapping with them. I just hate the folks that want to form some emotional bond with you simply because you coincidentally landed into conversational distance with them.
I'm not always grumpy - just about 65% of the time! In the parks and on the trails I do try to make a point of greeting people. Particularly since I usually have my dogs with me I try to reassure everybody that my dogs are friendly and that I'm friendly and out just to enjoy the atmosphere.
Now mind you when I'm on the trail or out exploring or even if the clutcher is not from around and asking directions, or with the ederly, I really don't mind stopping and yapping with them. I just hate the folks that want to form some emotional bond with you simply because you coincidentally landed into conversational distance with them.
I'm not always grumpy - just about 65% of the time! In the parks and on the trails I do try to make a point of greeting people. Particularly since I usually have my dogs with me I try to reassure everybody that my dogs are friendly and that I'm friendly and out just to enjoy the atmosphere.
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I'm with you pit...I hate it when I get no response. Hell, even when in uniform, I always initiate the greeting and screw the rank issue, when you're in a foreign country/airport and you see a fellow trooper it blows my mind that they don't even acknowledge a another fellow Soldier. Maybe I'm getting too old, but the simple courtesy of acknowledging another human's existence doesn't sound like a tough chore. Never fear, I always over-compensate for all the other rude bastards out there.
ROCK6
ROCK6
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I've worked with the public for about 45 years, and believe me they are worse now than they ever were. It used to be that most of my customers were nice, with the odd jerk. Now, it's completely turned around. Most of them are jerks with the odd nice person.
I have had my life threatened, been sworn at, lied to and lied about. Screw em all. Having said that, I see somebody on the trail, I always say hi, and they usually respond. Maybe it's the sociopathic tic of my left eye, like's its saying, "Go ahead, try not to say hi, you ignorant bastid.....!!
And that, hold the door for somebody and they don't thank you thing. I've taken to saying a loud, "You're welcome." About half the time, they then say thank you. Maybe they've just had their fill of other rude bastids...............
Now, if I see a skinhead with knives and a pit bull, that's a whole other story.......
Doc
I have had my life threatened, been sworn at, lied to and lied about. Screw em all. Having said that, I see somebody on the trail, I always say hi, and they usually respond. Maybe it's the sociopathic tic of my left eye, like's its saying, "Go ahead, try not to say hi, you ignorant bastid.....!!
And that, hold the door for somebody and they don't thank you thing. I've taken to saying a loud, "You're welcome." About half the time, they then say thank you. Maybe they've just had their fill of other rude bastids...............
Now, if I see a skinhead with knives and a pit bull, that's a whole other story.......
Doc
Please don't take this the wrong way Pitdog.
But if your pic's anything to go by, you look like thug with an attack dog. And you don't really smile a lot either. (I only have the pic's to go by, so I could be wrong with the smiling thing).
Reading your post on bladeforums the first impression one gets from you fades, and we come to realise that you seem to be a friendly, polite and all around likeable fellow. :thumbup:
Remember: First impressions are important when dealing with others, and people see you before they hear you going "Good morning".
Hope I did not offend, I did not mean to
But if your pic's anything to go by, you look like thug with an attack dog. And you don't really smile a lot either. (I only have the pic's to go by, so I could be wrong with the smiling thing).
Reading your post on bladeforums the first impression one gets from you fades, and we come to realise that you seem to be a friendly, polite and all around likeable fellow. :thumbup:
Remember: First impressions are important when dealing with others, and people see you before they hear you going "Good morning".
Hope I did not offend, I did not mean to
when i'm hangin out with my friends (that know me really well), and we are with new people (their friends), they new people later comment to my friends "okay that guy is really ******** scary!". Once they get to know me however, they realize i'm a big cuddly cat with a heart of gold.
now if i could just get the rest of the population to realize this....hahahaha
now if i could just get the rest of the population to realize this....hahahaha
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Hell, Hawkings, I use a picture of pitdog to scare my twin granddaughters into not going into the woods alone. The only problem is, now they have nightmares.
Doc