Rude is the New Cool

“Rude” has somehow become the new cool. Except we don’t call it “rude” anymore. We call it “telling it like it is” or “speaking your mind.” Or “not worrying about all that politically correct shit.” That sounds good, except mostly it’s just plain rude.

I’ve noticed, on social media especially but not exclusively, that it is now acceptable, even preferred by many, to say as many nasty things as possible, trying to score points. Or something. In fact, a lot of people are especially happy when they think they’ve offended someone. In their line of thinking, by offending someone, they’ve proven they’re not being “politically correct.” Because, as the reasoning continues, those who are “politically correct” are weak/afraid/timid/stupid. (Feel free to pick your own adjective.) And they are convinced that being PC is somehow what’s wrong with America. So by being rude and acting like a jerk, they are making America better somehow…in their line of thinking anyway.

Maybe, but sometimes being politically correct is just being a decent human being.

I have a lot of nasty things I could say about people on facebook, or in person. I could call them names, or put them down, or “tell it like it is.” But I don’t, or at least I try not to. I was taught to be respectful and polite. And that if I hurt someone else, either physically or emotionally, that was a bad thing. And when I did those things as a kid, I had to go apologize. I’m sorry if that seems old fashioned. But if it does seem old fashioned, that’s also a little disappointing.

Now we have politicians, and others, who specialize in putting people down. They love doing it, and their fans love them for it. When they criticize someone, these fans cheer. Loudly. Instead of being turned off by these people, many idolize them. Their fans somehow think this makes these people tough, or brave. Because they “tell it like it is.” Even when they are obviously lying. But they’re not telling it like it is, they’re just being jerks. If I spoke like them, and my mom were alive today, she’d still try to wash my mouth out with soap!

But apparently most of these people didn’t have a mom like mine. Or they’ve forgotten.

If you think this kind of behavior is cool; if you feel a secret pride when you think you’ve offended someone; if you cheer a public figure who enjoys putting others down; if your goal on facebook is to get a “zinger” in or humiliate someone; if you call people you don’t agree with names (like Killary, or libtard, or…); if any of these things apply to you, then you probably feel pretty proud that you “tell it like it is.”

But really, you’re just an asshole.

(Sorry Mom, I just couldn’t help myself.)