"You lie!" Congressman Joe Wilson screams at our President. Rapper Kanye West storms the stage and steals spotlight on the biggest night of Taylor Swift's life. Tennis star Serena Williams berates a judge over a botched call. "Seinfeld's" Michael Richards puts down a heckler with a racist rant.
What's with these people?
Tina Brown, of "The Daily Beast," blames the economy and financial frustrations for the short-fuse phenomena that are stalking the nation like a rudeness pandemic. She may, technically, be right--but worldly pressure is a flimsy excuse for such antics.
Your mama taught you better. And if you've forgotten what she told you, here's how you can learn to keep your cool in a rude, rude world.
Instructions
1.
Step 1
Rely on the Facts
Politicians, comedians and talk show hosts may make big bucks for being uncivil, but you won't, says "Los Angeles Times" columnist Tim Ruten. Disregard of the facts may be entertaining, but unless you're reeling in the dough in front of a paying audience, it's best to rely on intellect. Get your point across without flinging insults back and forth, by reciting the facts instead. Leave out the verbal abuse and you will appear intelligent.
Tennis star Serena Williams might want to consider this the next time she finds a judge's call questionable. During the 2009 U.S. Open Semi-Finals, Williams confronted a line judge over a call and left no expletive un-hurled in her attack. While shocking for tennis fans to hear such filth spew from a female tennis pro, the sports world isn't easily shaken by players' temper tantrums. Fans might find an articulate argument from an athlete far more shocking than a fount of foul, four letter words.
2.
Step 2
Zip it Up
"Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt," says Mark Twain. In other words, when you're riled up and heated, it's probably more productive to keep your mouth shut.
3.
Step 3
Make Grandma Proud
If have a tendency to lose it, think about your grandma. What would Grandma advise? She probably doesn't want her little darling swearing and throwing fits in public. After all, how you behave does reflect on your relatives. One bad apple spoils the whole bunch.
4.
Step 4
Use Company Manners
Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer politeness. A little decorum goes a long way in soothing nerves and negotiating a solution. Opinions aren't changed by bullying. If you feel the urge to shout out, shout out something positive.
5.
Step 5
Rein in Rage
Anger, ranting and raving is bad for health. From high blood pressure--to heart disease--to stroke and depression--acting out might land you in the doctor's office. Who can afford that? It's better for your heart and your relationships if you replace rage with sensible responses. Be gentle with yourself. Your heart and family will benefit from your mild manner.
6.
Step 6
Choose Happy
Unless you're big on apologizing in public for rude remarks and bad behavior, it's really more satisfying to think happy and avoid embarrassment. Replacing angry thoughts with pleasant ones will keep you calm. Children are watching, so set a good example. Say out loud: "Today is a good day to be alive."
7.
Step 7
Stop and Chill
If you are getting riled up, take a break, go for a walk, get a drink of water and cool down. Don't be dumb. Don't do something stupid. If you need to do something, do something smart. Walking away is not being "chicken;" it's a strategic action.
8.
Step 8
Be a Lover, Not a Fighter
Sometimes you have to put up with other people's bad manners, but you don't have to adopt their immature ways.
Treat neighbors and strangers as you would like to be treated. Stomp out rude by applying the "Golden Rule." Make love your mission.
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