[Rain Man]

Another potential theory is that the environment is changing, and situations that promote rudeness are now more common. So rudeness isn't changing on a micro-level, but it's increasing on a macro-level due to the environmental changes.

For example, if people are naturally more rude at dessert bars in buffets, and those are becoming more common, while areas of politeness such as the condiment counter at Taco Bell are becoming less common due to immigrant walkouts, then it will create an illusion of a ruder society even though society is not changing its etiquette over time.

A key to proving or disproving this theory is to identify places where rudeness is common behavior and politeness is common behavior, and determine if they're becoming more or less pervasive in society.

Here are a few of my personal rudeness/politeness venues, and how they're changing.

Rain Man's Rude Places

1. Stores where I have to shop for large-size pants because I can no longer fit into size 34s - Becoming much more common

2. Stores that serve $3 coffee where my wife wastes money that could otherwise be spent on Chinese food - Becoming more common

3. Work environments where I have more employees than bosses - Becoming more common.

Rain Man's Polite Places

1. Chiefs Playoff Games - Becoming less common

2. Places Where Attractive Naked Women Dance - Became much less common when I got married

3. Places that Serve Really Good BBQ - Less common in Denver than when I lived in Missouri

So far, my theory is looking good.