Are people in the DC area just a different kind of rude?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The whole no eye contact or acknowledgement when passing by people on the sidewalk drives me crazy.

This is not my experience at all in DC, but then most of my neighbors are longtime residents who have been here at least a couple generations. We acknowledge each other and say hi, even if we don't know each other. It's one of my favorite things about DC.

But the transplants, not so much.

You say hi to all the homeless and beggars you pass by on the street? And that works out well for you?

DP here. Uh, yes, and the guys who may or may not be drug dealers in addition to everyone else. It works out great! Because that's what you do in this neighborhood - you say hi - whether you're rich or poor. It's a real community.

I'm the PP who said I say hi to the people in my neighborhood, and this. Some of the young men can be punks and are rude, but most people are friendly and nice. I'm often out with my kid and people are always really kind to her, in particular, including the panhandlers and homeless folks and yes, even the maybe/probably drug dealers (I see things...). No one is violent and while I don't like drug activity in my neighborhood, I don't think being rude to people is the way to handle it.

Do you say hi to the homeless who are passed out on the sidewalk? Or do you just say hi to the conscious ones?

We get it, you hate the city and the people who live in it. You don't have to be cruel about it. Some of us like it here and just feel empathy for homeless people in our neighborhoods and maybe try to do things that might help them longterm. But yeah, if I see a homeless person I will make contact with them and say hello or wish them a good day (and they do the same for me all the time, even when I'm telling them I don't have any money for them). Because we live in a society and these are people. What is wrong with you?

[Anonymous]

DP. I am not a publicly-friendly person by nature but I make a point to be friendly, especially in my neighborhood and especially when I'm out with my kids. Most people are friendly, particularly to my kids. Without exception, older people are always friendlier than younger people.

We frequently encounter homeless people in our neighborhood. How we interact with them really depends on the situation. If there's a man sitting on a bench yelling at people or to himself, I won't say anything as we pass. If the person is sitting quietly, I'll usually look at them and nod my head and smile. If they ask for money, I'll respond to them. They are people, too, and I feel that it's important to acknowledge them instead of ignoring them. But I won't engage with someone who appears to be having a mental health issue, especially not when my kids are with me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The whole no eye contact or acknowledgement when passing by people on the sidewalk drives me crazy.

This is not my experience at all in DC, but then most of my neighbors are longtime residents who have been here at least a couple generations. We acknowledge each other and say hi, even if we don't know each other. It's one of my favorite things about DC.

But the transplants, not so much.

You say hi to all the homeless and beggars you pass by on the street? And that works out well for you?

DP here. Uh, yes, and the guys who may or may not be drug dealers in addition to everyone else. It works out great! Because that's what you do in this neighborhood - you say hi - whether you're rich or poor. It's a real community.

I'm the PP who said I say hi to the people in my neighborhood, and this. Some of the young men can be punks and are rude, but most people are friendly and nice. I'm often out with my kid and people are always really kind to her, in particular, including the panhandlers and homeless folks and yes, even the maybe/probably drug dealers (I see things...). No one is violent and while I don't like drug activity in my neighborhood, I don't think being rude to people is the way to handle it.

Do you say hi to the homeless who are passed out on the sidewalk? Or do you just say hi to the conscious ones?

We get it, you hate the city and the people who live in it. You don't have to be cruel about it. Some of us like it here and just feel empathy for homeless people in our neighborhoods and maybe try to do things that might help them longterm. But yeah, if I see a homeless person I will make contact with them and say hello or wish them a good day (and they do the same for me all the time, even when I'm telling them I don't have any money for them). Because we live in a society and these are people. What is wrong with you?

So just the conscious ones?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just don't find this to be my reality at all. I've lived in Glover Park, DC for many years and this neighborhood is very friendly. Of course when I'm downtown I don't smile at everyone on the sidewalk... I mean, get real. But if I'm dealing with or meeting someone directly I smile, look them in the eye, greet them pleasantly, and generally receive the same in return. I certainly don't find DC ruder than any other place I've lived.

Glover Park is a special place. Friendliest neighborhood in DC.

I agree. It saddens me when people can't find their niche here in the DC area and/or convince themselves they don't want to be here, and then put up barriers which may deter others from being friendly. So then they convince themselves that they are indeed right, that everyone's rude and hostile. It's just not the truth at all.

[Anonymous]

I've basically been here most of my life and I'm white. People in black neighborhoods are just friendlier across the board than in whiter areas. Not sure why that is but people in black areas tend to go out of their way to be friendly and hospitable. Good luck finding that in Chevy Chase. Of course there are exceptions but that's always been my experience.

Prior to 16, I grew up outside LA (Pasadena) in a neighborhood where everyone waives to fellow drivers and to people walking down the street. I've never lived anywhere here where that's remotely close to the norm. DC people tend to be insular and in their own world. When I go back to Pasadena to see family I'm always caught offguard by strangers saying hi to me when I walk down the street (residential areas - that doesn't happen downtown). Honestly I think it's nice plus it's a good way to establish a quasi-neighborhood watch. Anyone in retail loss prevention will tell you a good way to prevent crime is to make verbal contact with people. Maybe if we did more of that in DC we'd have less theft and petty crime.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've basically been here most of my life and I'm white. People in black neighborhoods are just friendlier across the board than in whiter areas. Not sure why that is but people in black areas tend to go out of their way to be friendly and hospitable. Good luck finding that in Chevy Chase. Of course there are exceptions but that's always been my experience.

Prior to 16, I grew up outside LA (Pasadena) in a neighborhood where everyone waives to fellow drivers and to people walking down the street. I've never lived anywhere here where that's remotely close to the norm. DC people tend to be insular and in their own world. When I go back to Pasadena to see family I'm always caught offguard by strangers saying hi to me when I walk down the street (residential areas - that doesn't happen downtown). Honestly I think it's nice plus it's a good way to establish a quasi-neighborhood watch. Anyone in retail loss prevention will tell you a good way to prevent crime is to make verbal contact with people. Maybe if we did more of that in DC we'd have less theft and petty crime.

This is a good way for a store worker to get themselves accused of racism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've basically been here most of my life and I'm white. People in black neighborhoods are just friendlier across the board than in whiter areas. Not sure why that is but people in black areas tend to go out of their way to be friendly and hospitable. Good luck finding that in Chevy Chase. Of course there are exceptions but that's always been my experience.

Prior to 16, I grew up outside LA (Pasadena) in a neighborhood where everyone waives to fellow drivers and to people walking down the street. I've never lived anywhere here where that's remotely close to the norm. DC people tend to be insular and in their own world. When I go back to Pasadena to see family I'm always caught offguard by strangers saying hi to me when I walk down the street (residential areas - that doesn't happen downtown). Honestly I think it's nice plus it's a good way to establish a quasi-neighborhood watch. Anyone in retail loss prevention will tell you a good way to prevent crime is to make verbal contact with people. Maybe if we did more of that in DC we'd have less theft and petty crime.

This is a good way for a store worker to get themselves accused of racism.

PP here. Ever been to the Nordstrom Rack or Off Fifth downtown? There's usually a security guard or employee at the door to say hello to people. They aren't there just to provide hospitality. Retailers know that a would-be thief will think twice about stealing when an employee engages with them. Either overtly or subliminally, that person knows that someone is watching even when all that is said to them is "hello" or "welcome." The body language a person shows in response can tell a lot. It's only racist if the guard only says hello to the BIPOC people which I have never, ever seen - especially since like 99% of the security guards here are BIPOC in the first place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel like there's a certain brand of obnoxiousness that is generally present in a lot of DC-area people, notably those who are originally from outside the area.

It's hard to describe.

It is the type “As,” the strivers, the people eager to step on others as they try to climb the .gov or .mil ladder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've basically been here most of my life and I'm white. People in black neighborhoods are just friendlier across the board than in whiter areas. Not sure why that is but people in black areas tend to go out of their way to be friendly and hospitable. Good luck finding that in Chevy Chase. Of course there are exceptions but that's always been my experience.

Prior to 16, I grew up outside LA (Pasadena) in a neighborhood where everyone waives to fellow drivers and to people walking down the street. I've never lived anywhere here where that's remotely close to the norm. DC people tend to be insular and in their own world. When I go back to Pasadena to see family I'm always caught offguard by strangers saying hi to me when I walk down the street (residential areas - that doesn't happen downtown). Honestly I think it's nice plus it's a good way to establish a quasi-neighborhood watch. Anyone in retail loss prevention will tell you a good way to prevent crime is to make verbal contact with people. Maybe if we did more of that in DC we'd have less theft and petty crime.

This is a good way for a store worker to get themselves accused of racism.

NOT if they speak to EVERYBODY.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The people FROM here, who grew up here, are normal.

The people from other places are generally the worst. Its the most annoying kid from every small-town high school in America, and they all move here.

But why? Kids from small town America also move to LA and NY and both cities are way more fun and friendlier.

the theater kids move there- the SGA presidents move here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think dc is at all that bad it’s just got a ton of unattractive people I guess this is due to the professions that are popular in this area (law, non-profits)

Also, there are many fugly stay at home and working moms in the NOVA suburbs.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like there's a certain brand of obnoxiousness that is generally present in a lot of DC-area people, notably those who are originally from outside the area.

It's hard to describe.

They "made it" by living here now. And they are so proud, bless their hearts. Tear falling.

What about those of us who feel that they have gone backward by moving here?

I am a transplant. I don't feel I made it by living here. However, I enjoyed traveling along the East coast. I had never been to RI, Maine, NYC, Boston, so I spent many weekends traveling just for fun to explore. I also really enjoyed the touristy sightseeing in DC.

I realized though, that not everyone I worked with was happy to see me so happy. The people who are from DC and surrounding area don't have anywhere else to go to work. They don't like transplants. I get it, now. I have a real hometown I can move back to whenever I want. I can live closer in the my job in downtown DC. I can enjoy a lot of what makes DC great, while people from here go through the drudgery of a long commute back to the burbs.

+1

I agree whole heartedly. I would be miserable too, if I had no where else to go, to get away from this place. It's not all bad, but the locals (who oddly claim to be "happy") don't seem very content with their lives, and don't seem to know how to find happiness. That is the common thread that I have seen, over the decades. The part about not wanting other people to be happy is spot on, thank you.

LOL y'all ridiculous. No DC native is forced to stay here. What you are saying comes off as jealousy. You moved here from your po dunk town in the middle of nowhere USA and left your family to make more $$$ here. You drove up the house prices and lessened affordability for those that have lived here their whole lives. It's actually quite narcissist of transplants to move their whole life here for a buck leaving behind so many loved ones. DC natives stay here to be close to family because we value family and those who saw us grow up. Also a lot of government agencies aren't central to DC proper. Plenty of them in the burbs you seem to despise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like there's a certain brand of obnoxiousness that is generally present in a lot of DC-area people, notably those who are originally from outside the area.

It's hard to describe.

They "made it" by living here now. And they are so proud, bless their hearts. Tear falling.

What about those of us who feel that they have gone backward by moving here?

I am a transplant. I don't feel I made it by living here. However, I enjoyed traveling along the East coast. I had never been to RI, Maine, NYC, Boston, so I spent many weekends traveling just for fun to explore. I also really enjoyed the touristy sightseeing in DC.

I realized though, that not everyone I worked with was happy to see me so happy. The people who are from DC and surrounding area don't have anywhere else to go to work. They don't like transplants. I get it, now. I have a real hometown I can move back to whenever I want. I can live closer in the my job in downtown DC. I can enjoy a lot of what makes DC great, while people from here go through the drudgery of a long commute back to the burbs.

+1

I agree whole heartedly. I would be miserable too, if I had no where else to go, to get away from this place. It's not all bad, but the locals (who oddly claim to be "happy") don't seem very content with their lives, and don't seem to know how to find happiness. That is the common thread that I have seen, over the decades. The part about not wanting other people to be happy is spot on, thank you.

LOL y'all ridiculous. No DC native is forced to stay here. What you are saying comes off as jealousy. You moved here from your po dunk town in the middle of nowhere USA and left your family to make more $$$ here. You drove up the house prices and lessened affordability for those that have lived here their whole lives. It's actually quite narcissist of transplants to move their whole life here for a buck leaving behind so many loved ones. DC natives stay here to be close to family because we value family and those who saw us grow up. Also a lot of government agencies aren't central to DC proper. Plenty of them in the burbs you seem to despise.

You are not entitled to a certain quality of life by being in a certain zip code. You sound resentful that you have been unable to keep up, which is really not that hard to do in this land of government funded milk and honey.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like there's a certain brand of obnoxiousness that is generally present in a lot of DC-area people, notably those who are originally from outside the area.

It's hard to describe.

It is the type “As,” the strivers, the people eager to step on others as they try to climb the .gov or .mil ladder.

You bumped this thread to narrow it down to military and gov? Ignoring all the lobbyists in DC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like there's a certain brand of obnoxiousness that is generally present in a lot of DC-area people, notably those who are originally from outside the area.

It's hard to describe.

They "made it" by living here now. And they are so proud, bless their hearts. Tear falling.

What about those of us who feel that they have gone backward by moving here?

I am a transplant. I don't feel I made it by living here. However, I enjoyed traveling along the East coast. I had never been to RI, Maine, NYC, Boston, so I spent many weekends traveling just for fun to explore. I also really enjoyed the touristy sightseeing in DC.

I realized though, that not everyone I worked with was happy to see me so happy. The people who are from DC and surrounding area don't have anywhere else to go to work. They don't like transplants. I get it, now. I have a real hometown I can move back to whenever I want. I can live closer in the my job in downtown DC. I can enjoy a lot of what makes DC great, while people from here go through the drudgery of a long commute back to the burbs.

+1

I agree whole heartedly. I would be miserable too, if I had no where else to go, to get away from this place. It's not all bad, but the locals (who oddly claim to be "happy") don't seem very content with their lives, and don't seem to know how to find happiness. That is the common thread that I have seen, over the decades. The part about not wanting other people to be happy is spot on, thank you.

LOL y'all ridiculous. No DC native is forced to stay here. What you are saying comes off as jealousy. You moved here from your po dunk town in the middle of nowhere USA and left your family to make more $$$ here. You drove up the house prices and lessened affordability for those that have lived here their whole lives. It's actually quite narcissist of transplants to move their whole life here for a buck leaving behind so many loved ones. DC natives stay here to be close to family because we value family and those who saw us grow up. Also a lot of government agencies aren't central to DC proper. Plenty of them in the burbs you seem to despise.

You are not entitled to a certain quality of life by being in a certain zip code. You sound resentful that you have been unable to keep up, which is really not that hard to do in this land of government funded milk and honey.

Who sys I've been unable to keep up? I feel for my dc though and all the homeless that have had it rough due to the ever increasing prices driven up by transplants. You are not entitled to cone here to talk smack about my USA. And people when you weren't invited here from your po dunk town usa.