What can we detect about such incidents?Some experts say the trend began decades ago when people became resistant to traditional values and manners.Others blame fast-paced modern lifestyles for contributing to a society that has little time to be polite.This is particularly true in big cities, where people are surrounded by strangers.As a noted psychologist has observed, "In a small town, the person to whom you are rude is more likely to be someone you are going to see again tomorrow."In the city, if you have a minor conflict, it's very unlikely you will ever encounter that person again.Stress also plays a role in incidents of ignorant behavior.Cindy Kludt, a counselor who works with overworked nurses, says rudeness in hospitals corresponds with the stress of people constantly working under life-and-death circumstances.If people at the top are rude or uncaring, rudeness moves on downward, affecting everyone's behavior.Rudeness comes with stress and this is becoming strikingly common.Motorists regularly force bicyclists off the road, and large trucks intimidate autos moving too slowly in front of them.
