Legal Professional Analyzes Rising Culture of Incivility in American Society

The cultural landscape of America is experiencing a troubling shift where basic civility and decorum are increasingly being replaced by unnecessary abrasiveness and aggression across digital spaces, public forums, political arenas, and everyday interactions. Many individuals now perceive rude behavior as a demonstration of power or conviction, creating what one legal professional describes as a meanness epidemic. As an attorney and litigator who regularly engages in high-stakes confrontations, the author emphasizes that even those accustomed to professional conflict are taken aback by the rising lack of class in public behavior.

A recent incident at a local coffee shop illustrates this concerning trend. A customer with food allergies was met with extreme hostility from staff when making specific requests about her order. What began as curt responses escalated into multiple employees yelling, cursing, and aggressively demanding the woman leave the establishment. The situation deteriorated further when one staff member dramatically jumped over the counter, prompting both the customer and observing attorney to depart the volatile environment. This example demonstrates how ordinary interactions can rapidly devolve into public humiliation and confrontation.

The author challenges the common misconception that associates rudeness with strength, arguing instead that true strength emerges from self-respect, conviction, and courage manifested through quiet, unwavering assertiveness. Genuine strength involves articulating beliefs clearly and respectfully without resorting to aggression. In contrast, unnecessary hostility often functions as a defensive shield for those fearing honest engagement or grappling with self-doubt. When individuals rely on cruelty or performative aggression to establish superiority, they reveal character deficiencies rather than demonstrate power.

This perspective comes from practical experience rather than privilege, with the author noting upbringing in working-class communities like Gary, Indiana and Norfolk, Virginia. The deterioration of civil discourse appears amplified by technology and social media platforms that have fundamentally altered human interaction dynamics. The solution lies not in joining the noise but becoming a consistent counter-force through maintained composure, thoughtfulness, and respect. Class represents an inherent quality of grace and integrity that chooses calm over chaos even when confronted with those lacking social graces.

Maintaining personal standards becomes particularly crucial when encountering individuals completely devoid of social decorum. Engaging at their level only validates unacceptable behavior while potentially pulling observers into similar conduct. The ultimate act of control involves preserving one's character and refusing to descend into depravity regardless of provocation. While everyone experiences difficult days, the conscious choice to maintain class and dignity serves as the most powerful response to the growing culture of incivility. More information about legal perspectives on social issues can be found at https://www.hierophantlaw.com.