[seeker41]

Has it always been like this? Has our society evolved into a surly and ignorant populace over the last few decades?
No and yes...

[Mr. K]

that is when you are justified in calling them a dumba$$ and walking away

[Old Sarge]

Has our society evolved into a surly and ignorant populace over the last few decades?

[cripplecreek]

You’re more than welcome to carry me up the stairs.

Just doing my part.

[noprogs]

It’s due to government schools and the culture of professional victim hood spawned by their indoctrination.

After fourteen years of schooling, the vast majority of graduates are only qualified to join the FSA (Free “Stuff” Army).

[needmorePaine]

Has it always been like this? Has our society evolved into a surly and ignorant populace over the last few decades?

Yes, it has; however, I am not sure this is the best example. I've noticed that blind people do not like to be grabbed. Plus, he's blind. I don't blame him for general surliness.

[Pollster1]

You weren’t too busy texting to see him?

You weren’t too excited about filming him for some variant America’s Funniest Videos to warn him?

You weren’t too absorbed in your own problems to stop and check on his?

The problem is obvious to me, but liberals would say the problem is you. It’s the government’s job to look after people, not yours. Your role is supposed to just be posting what happened with “LOL” for a comment.

[ottbmare]

He was angry at himself and his problem, not specifically at you. It was not about you and not about his race. And yes, that kind of thing has always been true. Some people are kind, some bitter, some joyful, some hostile. Some meet disability, loss, disappointment, pain, or loneliness with courage and grace, while others shrink into bitterness.

Best solution I’ve ever encountered: when someone pisses me off like this, I pray for them. I pray that they will turn to prayer, too. Guess what? It often works. Maybe not right this minute or even this year, but down the road. And I pray for myself too, so I’ll meet my own rejection from them with mildness rather than irritation.

—The OTTB mare, now trying to practice what she so glibly preaches, laughing at herself and her pride

[jboot]

America is a lot less polite these days, but... I might be crucified for saying this even here, but in my experience handicapped people are often unspeakably rude to anyone who tries to help them. Deaf people are the absolute worst. I've had people sign at me, and when I didn't understand (or God forbid unthinkingly said something in reply) become almost physically belligerent. People in wheelchairs are almost as bad. A few years ago my 89-Y.O. grandmother got run over by a fellow in a power chair because she couldn't get out of his way fast enough. Fortunately she was not seriously hurt. I can imagine that an "empowered" blind man might resent being warned that there is stuff in his way.

[IbJensen]

It’s mostly because our melting pot is filled with a large percentage of throwaway people that are like an anchor around our necks. This is the main problem with America that is much worse than the Muslim threat.

[Tau Food]

Maybe he wasn’t really blind.

[floralamiss]

7thson, yes, there’s a lot of rudeness and ignorance. Many people aren’t civil because they don’t have a clue what it is. They live in a zoo. But there are folks like you and me, and many others, who were taught as little ones how to be kind and generous, until we felt it in our own hearts. We must continue to demonstrate this quality to others. Who knows but that, that man might have been startled and embarrassed at the time, but felt remorse about his behavior towards you after he recovered. Last week I helped a black woman get orange juice out of a long case in the grocery store. A few minutes later, I was struggling with my own groceries, felt a little tap on my shoulder, and there she was grinning from ear-to-ear. “Now, may I help YOU?” But, I know how you feel. Sometimes it’s hard not to lose heart. :-(

[mountainlion]

The country was really divided in the 60’s. Some of the first elections were quit slanderous. I think division has been a prominent part of this country. Bill Clinton did a good job of defining sides to take advantage during his election. Obama and the media developed a hate of George Bush to further his take over. John “The Traitor” Kerry accused Viet Nam Vets of being baby killers and war criminals while he was off to Paris talking with the enemy to get his marching orders and possible funding. I am afraid it is here for a while yet.

[Boogieman]

It’s all a result of hubris, which is a natural consequence of a decadent society.

[Salgak]

No it hasn’t always been this way. But slowly, since the 1960s, pointing out to someone that they are wrong, has become “judgemental”. And that is the highest sin in today’s “do your own thing” culture.

My suggestion is to allow the Darwin Effect to cull them from the breeding pool. . . (evil grin)

[Renkluaf]

coming down the corridor towards me is a black person who is blind.

Why was it important to the story to mention that he was black?

[FrankR]

Lowering the bar to make it easy, for the lazy, only makes the rest of us become lazy.

[newheart]

I appreciate your metaphor. A very telling one.

But, perhaps the guy is also deaf?

[max americana]

I’m always angry...but towards liberals.

[SamAdams76]

Well have you thought about the possibility that this blind person might be sick and tired of being patronized for his handicap and treated like an imbecile? Perhaps he would rather bump into the occasional piece of furniture and consider that a small price to pay for his independence and personal dignity.