I think we're always selling something - even ourselves. It's a necessity, no? Part of the process. Doesn't mean one has to be an asshole about it either.
Agreed. If people didn't sell themselves or highlight their strengths on occasion, they wouldn't have a job. Quite simple. If businesses didn't have a sales process, how would they even procure products to bring to market?
There are bad salespeople out there, for sure, but I like them because then I have the opportunity to take their customers and prove that not all salespeople are assholes.
See, it's that selling mentality that plagues society doesn't it? (Sorry _) And I'm not talking about business. Selling ourselves would mean putting ourselves front and center and trying to prove to the world our exceptional and superior abilities and strengths, whereas _'s point is that caring for others, rather than just focusing on ourselves, would be a nicer, more polite world. So selling does fit into this topic, but I apologize for getting carried away with it.
In general, maybe.
It comes down to brainwashing by fast food cable news networks and "reality" TV; in other words, it comes down to our minds being poisoned and an inability to seek out knowledge and think for ourselves.
I just meant that I didn't understand whygohome's use of the word "it".
It depends on what your definition of "it" is.
In my post, "it" simply refers to our culture, the ever encroaching disease perpetuated by mass media illusions of humanity; it refers to an under/uneducated, misinformed public that has no regard for civics but instead resorts to an egomaniacal display of ignorance and self-imposed ideological imprisonment.
Yes we are getting less considerate. As for sales people...they don't bother me...most are just trying to make a living, most sales people I've dealt with are not pushy. As for anyone who would like to see consumerism come to an end or slow...do you have a plan in place to support these folks who will lose their jobs? and besides why is it such a big deal that those who are working are spending their money supporting the economy? Never understood why people care so much what other people do with their $$$...and then don't realize how crippling a blow to the economy if people just stopped spending.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Yes we are getting less considerate. As for sales people...they don't bother me...most are just trying to make a living, most sales people I've dealt with are not pushy. As for anyone who would like to see consumerism come to an end or slow...do you have a plan in place to support these folks who will lose their jobs? and besides why is it such a big deal that those who are working are spending their money supporting the economy? Never understood why people care so much what other people do with their $$$...and then don't realize how crippling a blow to the economy if people just stopped spending.
Unfortunately, consumerism and materialism are important aspects of a capitalist system.
Yes we are getting less considerate. As for sales people...they don't bother me...most are just trying to make a living, most sales people I've dealt with are not pushy. As for anyone who would like to see consumerism come to an end or slow...do you have a plan in place to support these folks who will lose their jobs? and besides why is it such a big deal that those who are working are spending their money supporting the economy? Never understood why people care so much what other people do with their $$$...and then don't realize how crippling a blow to the economy if people just stopped spending.
Unfortunately, consumerism and materialism are important aspects of a capitalist system.
I would say the vast majority of the world depends on money exchanging hands...personally I don't have a problem with it.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Agreed...plus, I think we're always selling something - even ourselves. It's a necessity, no? Part of the process. Doesn't mean one has to be an asshole about it either.
I don't really believe that we're always selling something, ourselves even. What happened to be just being? Maybe it's because I'm an introvert and tend to be somewhat quiet with people, but I've never felt I've needed to "sell" anything other than when I worked at McDonald's as a teenager, and I did that unwillingly. I do believe in being kind and treating people with respect.
I hear you, on the last part especially. And I'm pretty introverted myself.
What I meant was selling in the sense of daily living - hell, I had to sell myself at every interview I've been on. Working my ass off every day is a form of selling myself...trying to get an idea across - or in the cases of others, a product. I don't think one needs to be slick or deceitful to promote themselves or an idea but I can see where some would equate the term "salesman" with that side of it.
(note - difference between selling and selling out!)
Oh, and sorry, underscore! The conversation sort of shifted in that direction.
There's certainly a middleground between consideration for others and looking after oneself. They're not mutually-exclusive at all.
It's not selfishness (well, I suppose it is in a sense), but it's also survivalism. If I'm not in a position to help myself, make sure I'm on the firm footing I need, how can I help others?
In general, maybe.
It comes down to brainwashing by fast food cable news networks and "reality" TV; in other words, it comes down to our minds being poisoned and an inability to seek out knowledge and think for ourselves.
I just meant that I didn't understand whygohome's use of the word "it".
It depends on what your definition of "it" is.
In my post, "it" simply refers to our culture, the ever encroaching disease perpetuated by mass media illusions of humanity; it refers to an under/uneducated, misinformed public that has no regard for civics but instead resorts to an egomaniacal display of ignorance and self-imposed ideological imprisonment.
Huh. Okay, I guess I misunderstood even more than I realized. I thouht you were saying either (1) politeness or (2) our perception of politeness "comes down to brainwashing by fast food cable news networks and "reality" TV; in other words, it comes down to our minds being poisoned and an inability to seek out knowledge and think for ourselves".
The Internet is the tool to blame, but for the first time in human history perhaps we have total access to news around the world and what do they report: Fear, Violence and Death 24/7. Society has never been more paranoid and neither has the "Powers to Be" (Government, Military and Police). If Fear had Stock it would make FaceBook and Walmart look like start up companies.
Oh, and sorry, underscore! The conversation sort of shifted in that direction.
There's certainly a middleground between consideration for others and looking after oneself. They're not mutually-exclusive at all.
It's not selfishness (well, I suppose it is in a sense), but it's also survivalism. If I'm not in a position to help myself, make sure I'm on the firm footing I need, how can I help others?
That's okay; I'm just glad you're polite enough to notice that my name is "underscore" and not "hyphen"!
I was thinking more of self-centeredness than selfishness. And I agree about the "put your own oxygen mask on first" idea. But I guess what I was thinking of are things that are less important than that. Like if someone is asked to turn down his/her music, I think we're more likely to say, "I'm well within my rights to play this music so you shouldn't ask me to turn it down!" than to say, "I know I don't have to turn it down, but I'll do it anyway to be considerate of my neighbors" - ya know?
The Internet is the tool to blame, but for the first time in human history perhaps we have total access to news around the world and what do they report: Fear, Violence and Death 24/7. Society has never been more paranoid and neither has the "Powers to Be" (Government, Military and Police). If Fear had Stock it would make FaceBook and Walmart look like start up companies.
Yes, I do think that fear is part of the reason we're less neighborly than in times past.
The Internet is the tool to blame, but for the first time in human history perhaps we have total access to news around the world and what do they report: Fear, Violence and Death 24/7. Society has never been more paranoid and neither has the "Powers to Be" (Government, Military and Police). If Fear had Stock it would make FaceBook and Walmart look like start up companies.
And let's not forget that any moron with an internet connection can have a blog; then, these blogs become mistaken for actual news sources; then, these blogs are linked on the AMT by the type of people who are gullible enough to believe the nonsense that the blogs disseminate.
The Internet is the tool to blame, but for the first time in human history perhaps we have total access to news around the world and what do they report: Fear, Violence and Death 24/7. Society has never been more paranoid and neither has the "Powers to Be" (Government, Military and Police). If Fear had Stock it would make FaceBook and Walmart look like start up companies.
And let's not forget that any moron with an internet connection can have a blog; then, these blogs become mistaken for actual news sources; then, these blogs are linked on the AMT by the type of people who are gullible enough to believe the nonsense that the blogs disseminate.
The Internet is the tool to blame, but for the first time in human history perhaps we have total access to news around the world and what do they report: Fear, Violence and Death 24/7. Society has never been more paranoid and neither has the "Powers to Be" (Government, Military and Police). If Fear had Stock it would make FaceBook and Walmart look like start up companies.
And let's not forget that any moron with an internet connection can have a blog; then, these blogs become mistaken for actual news sources; then, these blogs are linked on the AMT by the type of people who are gullible enough to believe the nonsense that the blogs disseminate.
:oops: i'm guilty of this myself.
But, I did not have you in mind when I typed this.
But I guess what I was thinking of are things that are less important than that. Like if someone is asked to turn down his/her music, I think we're more likely to say, "I'm well within my rights to play this music so you shouldn't ask me to turn it down!" than to say, "I know I don't have to turn it down, but I'll do it anyway to be considerate of my neighbors" - ya know?
Oh yes, and I'd agree...the simplest of niceties that used to be the norm are shrinking. It could be because we're more insulated in ways, but perhaps it's also based on reciprocation, or the lack thereof. I think someone who is shown kindness or consideration is more likely to "pay it forward", although I wish it were done for the sake of the act itself and not driven by whether or not it's been extended to you.
(it's kinda sad that I'm pleasantly surprised when someone takes a second to hold the door open for me)
i am polite & considerate of others because it is who i am, it is how i was raised up to be. and i kept those same values and added more of my own as i grew older. seems to me that i am doing quite well in the manners department because i am told so by others, sometimes by complete strangers. iowa iowa iowa iowa iowa iowa iowa & iowa. that is my final answer.
and i would say that in this day & age many lack basic manners and sure are less polite & considerate of others.
who gives their bus seat to the older lady or older gentleman?
who helps the senior citizen load their groceries into their car's trunk?
boy scouts do... and some dude named chadwick
i guess brownie points are piling up
mostly it feels good to help someone out
:evil: besides all that stuff.......... ladies enjoy a helpful gentleman :twisted:
i been known to help a young attractive gal out of her jam sure is a sticky situation those jams
The Internet is the tool to blame, but for the first time in human history perhaps we have total access to news around the world and what do they report: Fear, Violence and Death 24/7. Society has never been more paranoid and neither has the "Powers to Be" (Government, Military and Police). If Fear had Stock it would make FaceBook and Walmart look like start up companies.
And let's not forget that any moron with an internet connection can have a blog; then, these blogs become mistaken for actual news sources; then, these blogs are linked on the AMT by the type of people who are gullible enough to believe the nonsense that the blogs disseminate.
Anyone been at a party with people who consider themselves kind and considerate...
and let you know it, of course.
Then rag on about other people either at the party or worse yet the poor souls
who didn't show up that time around. :fp:
Funny stuff...
My theory if you are a meanie you get treated as so ...
just the opposite if you reach out to others kindly they do so also.
This with people coming to your door, the salesperson you might meet in your travels,
the young cash register checker, your employee, your long lost friend, your bestest buddy.
It's all the same. Everyone wants respect.
A smile seems to warm all hearts and it would rare for it not to be returned.
Someone mentioned parenting I think, that has very much to do with being polite.
It is not a lost art here in the South at all. Niceties a normality here.
Anyone been at a party with people who consider themselves kind and considerate...
and let you know it, of course.
Then rag on about other people either at the party or worse yet the poor souls
who didn't show up that time around. :fp:
Funny stuff...
My theory if you are a meanie you get treated as so ...
just the opposite if you reach out to others kindly they do so also.
This with people coming to your door, the salesperson you might meet in your travels,
the young cash register checker, your employee, your long lost friend, your bestest buddy.
It's all the same. Everyone wants respect.
A smile seems to warm all hearts and it would rare for it not to be returned.
Someone mentioned parenting I think, that has very much to do with being polite.
It is not a lost art here in the South at all. Niceties a normality here.
I used to live in the South, let's not overgeneralize.........
Anyone been at a party with people who consider themselves kind and considerate...
and let you know it, of course.
Then rag on about other people either at the party or worse yet the poor souls
who didn't show up that time around. :fp:
Funny stuff...
My theory if you are a meanie you get treated as so ...
just the opposite if you reach out to others kindly they do so also.
This with people coming to your door, the salesperson you might meet in your travels,
the young cash register checker, your employee, your long lost friend, your bestest buddy.
It's all the same. Everyone wants respect.
A smile seems to warm all hearts and it would rare for it not to be returned.
Someone mentioned parenting I think, that has very much to do with being polite. It is not a lost art here in the South at all. Niceties a normality here.
love me the manners and whatnot of the south. when i was a truck driver the southern folks i delt with were fantastic and very hard working. the truck stop diners???? forget about it...those gals are as delicious as the meals they be servin up...beings im a northern yankee i know zero bout grits... this is perfect for playin the dumbie w/ the waitresses... they be sittin on my lap feeding me grits... aint no wonder they be goin home w/ huge pockets fulla tip money
Anyone been at a party with people who consider themselves kind and considerate...
and let you know it, of course.
Then rag on about other people either at the party or worse yet the poor souls
who didn't show up that time around. :fp:
Funny stuff...
My theory if you are a meanie you get treated as so ...
just the opposite if you reach out to others kindly they do so also.
This with people coming to your door, the salesperson you might meet in your travels,
the young cash register checker, your employee, your long lost friend, your bestest buddy.
It's all the same. Everyone wants respect.
A smile seems to warm all hearts and it would rare for it not to be returned.
Someone mentioned parenting I think, that has very much to do with being polite.
It is not a lost art here in the South at all. Niceties a normality here.
I used to live in the South, let's not overgeneralize.........
When we moved here it was yes sir yes ma'am ...
being from WI my kids hadn't learned that.
They picked it up quick though and now all grown up it is a habit.
Yes in general very polite in the South...
but WI is very friendly
A thread on the AET just got me thinking about this. It seems to me that people are much less considerate of & polite to others than in times past. Our reactions to situations more often come from a self-centered perspective than one of concern for others. (I think this goes along with the individual vs. social perspectives that characterize much of politics.)
Do you think this is true? Do you think we're less likely to help our neighbors & give up our seats on busses - or whatever else - than we used to be as a society?
if I had to judge by comments made by some train members I would say yes it's true....but judging by people that I 've met and things I see from day to day I'd say we will be just fine.
Anyone been at a party with people who consider themselves kind and considerate...
and let you know it, of course.
Then rag on about other people either at the party or worse yet the poor souls
who didn't show up that time around. :fp:
Funny stuff...
My theory if you are a meanie you get treated as so ...
just the opposite if you reach out to others kindly they do so also.
This with people coming to your door, the salesperson you might meet in your travels,
the young cash register checker, your employee, your long lost friend, your bestest buddy.
It's all the same. Everyone wants respect.
A smile seems to warm all hearts and it would rare for it not to be returned.
Someone mentioned parenting I think, that has very much to do with being polite.
It is not a lost art here in the South at all. Niceties a normality here.
I used to live in the South, let's not overgeneralize.........
When we moved here it was yes sir yes ma'am ...
being from WI my kids hadn't learned that.
They picked it up quick though and now all grown up it is a habit.
Yes in general very polite in the South...
but WI is very friendly
I moved there from Long Island. they hated me because of my accent; I was told numerous times that more Union soldiers died in the Civil War than Confederate soldiers; I was told the "South will rise again."
In the end, some of my best friends are from the South; but, the idea of politeness is only skin deep
Sorry to sound blunt, but just the idea of your job being to push a product to the public to buy is just completely against my values. And I majored in media marketing in college. I'm not trying to put you personally down, it's the industry I have a problem with. They not only worship the almighty dollar, they push the concept of money worship and materialism on everyone else for a living. (not to mention that it is you who said that a sales friend of yours views people as morons...)
hmmm i would rather gouge out my eyeballs than work in retail. this has long been my feeling on the subject. even walking into a mall makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. however... my feelings fall short when my perfect job would be to work in a bookstore 'pushing the product' on the public. i would have zero problem recommending books to people... same goes for music tbh.
hear my name
take a good look
this could be the day
hold my hand
lie beside me
i just need to say
The Internet is the tool to blame, but for the first time in human history perhaps we have total access to news around the world and what do they report: Fear, Violence and Death 24/7. Society has never been more paranoid and neither has the "Powers to Be" (Government, Military and Police). If Fear had Stock it would make FaceBook and Walmart look like start up companies.
Yes, I do think that fear is part of the reason we're less neighborly than in times past.
and that right there is an interesting thought isnt it? were less neighbourly due to fear yet it is that fear that causes being less neighbourly. if we could get past that fear we wouldnt be less neighbourly its the unknown that bites us in the arse and our ability or lack thereof to get past it. personally i tend not to approach people simply cause i dont like people.. nothing whatsoever to do with fear. in fact my fear level in regards to strangers is nonexistant. its not cause youre a stranger that i choose not to approach you, its cause youre a person.
hear my name
take a good look
this could be the day
hold my hand
lie beside me
i just need to say
My dad was telling me some time ago that, in his day and long before, everyone had front porches and they were meant for not only family to gather but to encourage neighbors to interact and create the sense of community. Now everyone has fences around their property, creating borders and no one sits on their front porches to commune with the neighbors. I'm sure that our way of closing ourselves off inhibits with being polite and considerate of others...
I used to live in the South, let's not overgeneralize.........
When we moved here it was yes sir yes ma'am ...
being from WI my kids hadn't learned that.
They picked it up quick though and now all grown up it is a habit.
Yes in general very polite in the South...
but WI is very friendly
I moved there from Long Island. they hated me because of my accent; I was told numerous times that more Union soldiers died in the Civil War than Confederate soldiers; I was told the "South will rise again."
In the end, some of my best friends are from the South; but, the idea of politeness is only skin deep
Fun stuff.
Oh I love love love Long Island... we had 5 days there just trucking around
and stalking Nelson DeMille just kidding, well sort of, he's grand.
I love the accent and met the nicest people at the local pubs.
I will say politeness can come from the heart wanting to be considerate but also
it is just common courtesy too. I have a strong WI accent so I am often
mistaken for Canadian.... some even guessed that on Long Island ... close but no cigar.
Comments
See, it's that selling mentality that plagues society doesn't it? (Sorry _) And I'm not talking about business. Selling ourselves would mean putting ourselves front and center and trying to prove to the world our exceptional and superior abilities and strengths, whereas _'s point is that caring for others, rather than just focusing on ourselves, would be a nicer, more polite world. So selling does fit into this topic, but I apologize for getting carried away with it.
It depends on what your definition of "it" is.
In my post, "it" simply refers to our culture, the ever encroaching disease perpetuated by mass media illusions of humanity; it refers to an under/uneducated, misinformed public that has no regard for civics but instead resorts to an egomaniacal display of ignorance and self-imposed ideological imprisonment.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Unfortunately, consumerism and materialism are important aspects of a capitalist system.
I think because some people think people are in sales are not very considerate...which for the most part is false.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
I would say the vast majority of the world depends on money exchanging hands...personally I don't have a problem with it.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
What I meant was selling in the sense of daily living - hell, I had to sell myself at every interview I've been on. Working my ass off every day is a form of selling myself...trying to get an idea across - or in the cases of others, a product. I don't think one needs to be slick or deceitful to promote themselves or an idea but I can see where some would equate the term "salesman" with that side of it.
(note - difference between selling and selling out!)
There's certainly a middleground between consideration for others and looking after oneself. They're not mutually-exclusive at all.
It's not selfishness (well, I suppose it is in a sense), but it's also survivalism. If I'm not in a position to help myself, make sure I'm on the firm footing I need, how can I help others?
Huh. Okay, I guess I misunderstood even more than I realized. I thouht you were saying either (1) politeness or (2) our perception of politeness "comes down to brainwashing by fast food cable news networks and "reality" TV; in other words, it comes down to our minds being poisoned and an inability to seek out knowledge and think for ourselves".
That's okay; I'm just glad you're polite enough to notice that my name is "underscore" and not "hyphen"!
I was thinking more of self-centeredness than selfishness. And I agree about the "put your own oxygen mask on first" idea. But I guess what I was thinking of are things that are less important than that. Like if someone is asked to turn down his/her music, I think we're more likely to say, "I'm well within my rights to play this music so you shouldn't ask me to turn it down!" than to say, "I know I don't have to turn it down, but I'll do it anyway to be considerate of my neighbors" - ya know?
Yes, I do think that fear is part of the reason we're less neighborly than in times past.
And let's not forget that any moron with an internet connection can have a blog; then, these blogs become mistaken for actual news sources; then, these blogs are linked on the AMT by the type of people who are gullible enough to believe the nonsense that the blogs disseminate.
:oops: i'm guilty of this myself.
But, I did not have you in mind when I typed this.
But, I did not have you in mind when I typed this.[/quote]
(it's kinda sad that I'm pleasantly surprised when someone takes a second to hold the door open for me)
and i would say that in this day & age many lack basic manners and sure are less polite & considerate of others.
who gives their bus seat to the older lady or older gentleman?
who helps the senior citizen load their groceries into their car's trunk?
boy scouts do... and some dude named chadwick
i guess brownie points are piling up
mostly it feels good to help someone out
:evil: besides all that stuff.......... ladies enjoy a helpful gentleman :twisted:
i been known to help a young attractive gal out of her jam
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
This is totally my pet peeve!
and let you know it, of course.
Then rag on about other people either at the party or worse yet the poor souls
who didn't show up that time around. :fp:
Funny stuff...
My theory if you are a meanie you get treated as so ...
just the opposite if you reach out to others kindly they do so also.
This with people coming to your door, the salesperson you might meet in your travels,
the young cash register checker, your employee, your long lost friend, your bestest buddy.
It's all the same. Everyone wants respect.
A smile seems to warm all hearts and it would rare for it not to be returned.
Someone mentioned parenting I think, that has very much to do with being polite.
It is not a lost art here in the South at all. Niceties a normality here.
I used to live in the South, let's not overgeneralize.........
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
being from WI my kids hadn't learned that.
They picked it up quick though and now all grown up it is a habit.
Yes in general very polite in the South...
but WI is very friendly
if I had to judge by comments made by some train members
Godfather.
I moved there from Long Island. they hated me because of my accent; I was told numerous times that more Union soldiers died in the Civil War than Confederate soldiers; I was told the "South will rise again."
In the end, some of my best friends are from the South; but, the idea of politeness is only skin deep
Fun stuff.
Well now let's not overgeneralize.
hmmm i would rather gouge out my eyeballs than work in retail. this has long been my feeling on the subject. even walking into a mall makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. however... my feelings fall short when my perfect job would be to work in a bookstore 'pushing the product' on the public. i would have zero problem recommending books to people... same goes for music tbh.
take a good look
this could be the day
hold my hand
lie beside me
i just need to say
and that right there is an interesting thought isnt it? were less neighbourly due to fear yet it is that fear that causes being less neighbourly. if we could get past that fear we wouldnt be less neighbourly its the unknown that bites us in the arse and our ability or lack thereof to get past it. personally i tend not to approach people simply cause i dont like people.. nothing whatsoever to do with fear. in fact my fear level in regards to strangers is nonexistant. its not cause youre a stranger that i choose not to approach you, its cause youre a person.
take a good look
this could be the day
hold my hand
lie beside me
i just need to say
and stalking Nelson DeMille
I love the accent and met the nicest people at the local pubs.
I will say politeness can come from the heart wanting to be considerate but also
it is just common courtesy too. I have a strong WI accent so I am often
mistaken for Canadian.... some even guessed that on Long Island ... close but no cigar.