Would you support a national accountability program for rudeness?

Posted by theslowrunningexpert@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 69 comments

There are a lot of rude people about, and I’ve noticed a slight rise in people’s willingness to hurl insults without going further. Having a ‘scrap’ isn’t as common as it was many moons ago, and so for most people my age (mid 20’s) they haven’t ever faced actual consequences for getting ‘lary’. As an example I was working in retail last year when an old guy (about 50) started getting quite rude as his steak bake was not hot enough. He ended up swearing at me, but the minute I walked round from the counter he went all quiet and walked out. I think people need this from time to time. My proposed solution is this. You should be legally entitled to call someone out for a fight that they have to legally either attend, or apologise and move on. I believe that if faced with the real threat of getting chinned, a lot less people would be as rude as they are. Then, the fight itself not only acts as a deterrent, but also a teaching moment for those who do still act in a rude manner but cannot defend themselves. Of course this would need proper regulation to ensure no weapons are used, or that people do not abuse the system, but if done properly I genuinely believe bringing back an edge to society will re-introduce basic manners.