It seems that whenever I'm in line at the grocery store, someone has to come and stand within a foot or less behind me. If I shift back just a bit, I run into them. Americans have been known to enjoy our personal space even in public, so what gives? Is this just a product of an increasing population or is it a result of increased immigration?
2007-01-07 13:46:56 · 15 answers · asked by Melissa Me 7 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
And I understand if people are in a hurry to get through a checkout line, but getting on my butt isn't going to make the clerk do his job any faster!
2007-01-07 14:10:59 · update #1
I THINK ITS A GROWING TREND OF AN INPATIENT, ME-CENTERED SOCIETY. ON AVERAGE PEOPLE REALLY JUST DO NOT CARE ANYMORE AND ARE USED TO PUTTING PRESSURE ON PEOPLE AND SITUATIONS TO GET THEIR OWN WAY.
I AGREE WITH YOU I HATE WHEN PEOPLE DO THAT ALONG WITH MY LEAST FAVORITE BEING: PULLING IN A PARKING SPACE CLOSE TO ME WHEN MY DOOR IS CLEARLY OPEN AND I AM TRYING TO WRESTLE MY 1 YEAR OLD OUT OF THE BACKSEAT.
WHAT GIVES, PEOPLE NEED TO GROW SOME PATIENCE AND..BACK UP AND FIND ANOTHER SPOT.
2007-01-07 14:00:47 · answer #1 · answered by tara t 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think that it is perhaps due to increased immigration. I've noticed that generally when this has happened to me the person is not American. I know that Americans have a larger personal space than other countries so this might be a strange concept to someone new to our culture. I'm sure that if I was put into their culture I would do some things that would annoy or bother them.
Of course, other times when it happens it's generally because the person is just not paying attention to what they are doing because they are on the phone or something else has their attention.
2007-01-07 13:53:51 · answer #2 · answered by low_on_ram 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe America is becoming more casual. With every generation becoming less formal and less private. There has been a shift in our daily lives due to many things, reality tv, jerry springer, cellphones, internet accessability, etc. Even socioeconomics trickle down to our everyday interactions and behaviors with strangers. It is probably a combination of factors, rather than one thing. Or, the guy behind you could have just worked 15 hours for minimum wage and is too tired to notice or care about social graces anymore. Maybe our society is existing closer to bottom of Maslows ladder.
2007-01-07 18:02:29 · answer #3 · answered by skiesamazing 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it started with Generation X , the majority of whom were "Latch-Key" kids...their parents were too busy working to teach them what is and isn't socially acceptable behavior. This is also the generation to become young adults in the early nineties - This was a time when the apathy of alternative rock, and gangster rap was popular - People were dying of aids, and drug overdose, and unemployment was high. I believe good and bad manners never crossed the minds of this generation, whom are now in their late thirties, or early forties - And I think good manners has become even less important with Generation Y and Z.
2007-01-07 14:47:35 · answer #4 · answered by KB 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I asked my husband if this has ever happened to him, he said he has just stepped back into them. They get the message. He is also not afraid to tell people off in the check out line either if they are being rude. Sometimes you wonder what other people are thinking (if at all).
2007-01-07 14:44:43 · answer #5 · answered by wendygirl1000 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm with you completely!
I miss having my breathing space, and I don' think it's a population issue. I'm in Australia and we have abundant land, yet people still need to get in your face to speak to you!
Hey everyone?? Take a step backwards - wherever you are!
2007-01-07 17:32:32 · answer #6 · answered by FoxyB 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If someone invades my personal space, at first I will say "Excuse me" and put a little space between us. If they persisit, then I will ask them to back up. If that dont work, then I get nasty. I really hate it when people (especially drunks) get in your face while they are talking and spray their bad breath and spit in my face. Especially bad in cold and flu season. And please dont stand over me while Im eating. Say hello or how are you and move on!! Im trying to eat!!! Thank you for letting me vent.
2007-01-07 16:16:46 · answer #7 · answered by lucygoosy2004 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think we are living in a planet designed to be a communist one, although the real context of this has nothing to to with the system known to us by the same name
2007-01-07 20:12:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I couldn't agree with you more. I've recently had a woman so close to me in a check out line that she actually put her things on top of my things on the conveyor belt ! I said " do you want to pay for mine too?"
2007-01-07 14:01:56 · answer #9 · answered by mycatreads 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That particular situation is probably because of longer line-ups, less space in them and everyone is in a hurry to get through.
2007-01-07 13:49:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋